Fall Arts Guide 2014

Visual Arts

Highlights

“Withered Lotus Cast in Iron” is the title of the first solo exhibit of the distinguished Chinese artist Pan Gongkai, son of the renowned twentieth-century master Pan Tianshou. A contemporary master of ink painting, Gongkai prepares large-scale compositions without interruption, in sessions that often last more than twelve hours. He considers this physically demanding process as a key performative element of his work. For the Frye Art Museum show, Pan has created a large-scale, site-specific ink painting which will extend the entire length of the museum’s largest gallery. Opens Thurs., Oct. 2^nd from 7 – 9pm. Reserve your tickets online by Sept. 28^th or call (206) 432-8288. Frye Art Museum is at 704 Terry Ave. or go to to www.fryemuseum.org.

Davidson Galleries has interesting new work by contemporary Japanese printmakers. Fumiko Suzuki’s “Recent Stone Lithographs” capture powerful solitary figures in stark relief. On view through Sept. 27^th. In Oct., the eerie, detailed etchings of Tomiyuki Sakuta will be on view. 313 Occidental Ave. S. in Seattle. (2060 624-6700 or go to www.davidsongalleries.com.

Sogetsu School Seattle Annual Autumn Ikebana Exhibition takes place at Seattle Asian Art Museum on Sat., Sept. 27^th and Sun., Sept. 22^nd. 10am – 5pm on Sat. and 10am – 4pm on Sun. Demonstrations daily at 1pm and 2pm. 1400 E. Prospect St. Free. (425) 501-6626 or email [email protected].

Art is where you find it and sometimes you have to go beyond the commercial galleries and look in the nooks and crannies of alternative spaces and public art locations. ”Art Interruptions 2014” is one such series. Ten emerging artists have created temporary art installations throughout the First Hill area for this project. The artworks will inhabit city sidewalks, parks and offer a brief interruption of your routine and who doesn’t need that? Each artist will develop their work for around ten weeks starting in august. Administered in partnership with Seattle Department of Transportation, Seattle Parks and Recreation. Funded by SDOT, 1% for Art funds and managed by the Office of Arts & Culture. Some highlights include the following. Megumi Shauna Arai presents “A Tribute” which looks at certain events in the artist’s life. Her photographic series entitled “Hand History” is taken into an installation realm with large silk fabric prints and coinciding studio recordings that channel the small moments and conversations that make up a day. Jason Hirata’s performance piece entitled “I Hope To Do No Harm, Yet I Cause Harm” will find the artist on designated routes on Tues., Th. And Fridays doing his best to interact with crows all along the way over a period of a few months. Check Hirata’s website for details. “Kintsugi” is the ancient Japanese technique of repairing broken pottery with seams of lacquer, gold, or silver. It speaks to breakage and repair becoming part of the history and character of the object and thus adding to its beauty. The art team of Joana Stillwell & Yael Nov apply this philosophy to the streets as they try and “repair” the cracks and breaks in the sidewalks of First Hill with hand-made fool’s gold. Please refer to the map for various locations around First Hill. Go to http://www.seattle.gov/arts/publicart/temporary_projects.asp?project=art=interruptions-2014 for complete details.

Multi-media artist Paul Komada uses weaving, drawing, painting and the tactile feel of materials to integrate installations that cross over a variety of media. Saya Moriyasu is a multi-media artist that incorporates ceramic material into her whimsical installations. Maki Tamura is inventive, mischievous, detailed and precise in her work that incorporates various media and materials. All will create site-specific pieces as part of a public art series entitled “MadCampus” which will be found all over the University of Washington campus in Seattle. Inspired by their locations, from hidden nooks to well-frequented vistas, the selected artists will create new sculptures designed to be interactive. Ongoing from Sept. 13^th to Oct. 25^th of this year. There will be a MadCampus Art Walk on Sun., Sept. 28^th from 11am – 3pm beginning at Red Square. (206) 499-5823 or email [email protected] for details.

Joana Stillwell is in a three-person show entitled “This Is The Way” now on view at ArtsWest Gallery through Sept. 27^th, 2014. Her video installations are meditations on what she finds herself doing when she’s not doing anything. The images become thoughtful examinations of the medium of video itself. The feeling of playful boredom is transformed it into another place where we are reminded of the everything in nothing. 4711 California Ave. S.W. in West Seattle. Hours are Th. & Fri. from 1 – 7:30pm and Sat. from 1:30pm – 7:30pm.

It is a risk and struggle to create while reaching back to my whole lifetime – what it means to grow up in the city where one lives with all the dead bodies that lay below one’s feet” – so writes Hiroshima-born Japanese visual artist Yukiko Kawano, a third generation hibakusha (atomic bomb survivor) about her work in the show “Formation” which remains on display through Oct. 14^th, 2014. At the Ethnic Heritage Art Gallery at 700 Fifth Ave. at 5^th & Columbia on the Third Floor Lobby. For details, go to http://www.seattle.gov/ethnicartgallery/. For information on the artist, go to http://yukiyokawano.com. In addition, Kawano is in another show entitled “One Thousand Questions – Hiroshima to Hanford” with Seattle artist Etsuko Ichikawa at Columbia City Gallery through Sept. 21^st. 4864 Rainier Ave. S. (206) 760-9843 or go to www.columbiacitygallery.com.

The “2014 Time-Based Art Festival” is a series of performances, workshops, installation, lectures, outdoor activities and late-night happenings sponsored by PICA at various locations throughout Portland. Includes the world premiere of Simita Sinha’s “Cipher”, Eisa Jocson’s “Macho Dancer and Death of the Pole Dancer”, Chelfitsch’s “Ground & Floor” and Aki Sasamoto’s “Shaved Lies”. For details, call (503) 224-PICA or visit www.pica.org.

“Act of Drawing” by Etsuko Ichikawa marks this artist’s debut with a new Seattle gallery. It presents the latest work from her series, “Glass Pyrograph and Aquagraph”, a series of drawings of fire and water charcoal stained on paper. Using molten glass above the surface of the paper, she creates marks of expressive gesture captured spontaneously in the act for her glass pyrographs. Her aquagraphs use water as a medium and the way it drops on the page, captured with scorched candle soot to reveal an x-ray of the very act of its’ imprint. On view until Oct. 30^th, 2014. Winston Wachter Fine Art at 203 Dexter Ave. N. in the South Lake Union area just off Aurora. Mon. – Sat. from 10am – 5pm or by appointment. (206) 652-5855 or go to www.winstonwachter.com.

KOBO Gallery at Higo in Japantown/International District has the following – Haejin Lee has a show of ceramic sculpture on view through Sept. 21^st. Her work is known for twists and turns and unusual shapes. Artist Risa Salzberg and her show of drawings also remains on view through Sept. 21^st as well. The ever popular annual fall show, “8^th Simple Cup Show Invitational” opens on Sat., Nov. 1^st, 2014 and remains on view until Dec. 31^st. This version features work from not only North America/Japan but for the first time introduces to the Seattle audience, the work of Korean contemporary ceramic artists as well. Go to koboseattle.com for updates. 604 S. Jackson St. (206) 381-3000.

Opening Oct. 2^nd and on view Until Nov. 22^nd is a group show entitled “LINEAGE UW Faculty & Students”. The work of Roger Shimomura and Patti Warashina is included. “Red Ribbon Salon” is a group show of Northwest artists including the work of Paul Horiuchi. Opens Nov. 11^th and remains on view until Dec. 23^rd. Seattle ArtREsource Gallery. 625 First Ave. #200. (206) 838-2695 or go to seattleartresource.com.

A pair of Japanese quilt exhibits take over the space at La Conner Quilt & Textile Museum through Oct. 5^th. On view are “Wishes Through Our Hands – Japanese Quilts” and “Works of Junko Maeda”. Delightful patterns and colors from traditional to contemporary. For details, call (360) 466-4288 or go to www.laconnerquilts.com.

“Bellwether 2014: Connect” is Bellevue’s biennial sculpture exhibition featuring more than 30 sculptures and installations all within a three-quarter mile walking route from City Hall to Downtown Park. On view through Oct. 12^th, 2014. Artists from the Northwest, Canada and the U.S. are included. Work by Canadian artists Junichiro Iwase, Connie Sabo, Geemon Xin Meng and Lisa Tzu-Ling are in this show. Free guided tours available for groups or eight or more by emailing [email protected], put “Tour” in the subject line. A City of Bellevue Public Art Program.

Printmaker Romson Bustillo’s “Solo Exhibition” is up through Sept. 24^th at Bainbridge Island Museum of Art. His work is haunted by memories of a childhood in the Philippines and the artist’s travels from S.E. Asia to Spain and Mexico. His layered images capture the texture of folk textiles and a very real personal experience. 550 Winslow Way E. Just a ferry ride away from Seattle. (206) 451-4000 or go to biartmuseum.org. This is Bustillo’s year and I couldn’t think of an artist more deserving. He has another show of new work entitled “Long Story Prints” opening Oct. 2^nd and on view until Oct. 20^th at Gallery4Culture. These patterned, densely layered works on paper represent the intermingling of the past, present and future as they trace his family’s migration to Seattle from the Philippines. Don’t miss the party as well. “Celebrate with Artists Up!” on Tues., Oct. 21^st from 6 – 8pm. There will be music, Romson’s art and delicious food. This is a social mixer celebrating artists in the Latino/a and Asian, Asian American and Pacific Islander artist communities. Music by Miho & Diego. All are welcome but RSVP requested. Go to Artistsup.org (or try https://www.facebook.com/events/826541907370560/?ref=6&ref_notif_type=plan_user_invited) to make your reservation. To find out more about Romson’s art, go to romsonromson.blogspot.com. Gallery4Culture is at 101 Prefontaine Pl S in the Tashiro Kaplan Building in Pioneer Square.

UW Assistant Professor of Art History Sonal Khullar gives a talk entitled “Scale Drawing: Rethinking Theories of Globalization and Contemporary Art from South Asia” on thurs., Sept. 25^th at 6pm in room 317 of the Art Building.

“Live On: Mr.’s Japanese Neo-Pop” – The disaster of the March 11, 2011 tsunami and nuclear accident came as both a shock and inspiration for Japanese Neo-Pop artist Mr. In response he created a massive installation composed of everyday objects from Japanese life. It forms the centerpiece for this show with a series of new paintings and other work. Organized by SAM, this retrospective is his first solo exhibition in a U.S. museum. A protégé of Takashi Murakami, the icon of Japanese Pop art and a member of the otaku subculture, Mr.’s work is marked by an obsessive interests in anime and manga. This exhibition is organized by SAM in collaboration with Kaikai Kiki Co. Ltd., Galerie Perrotin and Lehmann Maupin Gallery. Opens Nov. 22^nd, 2014 in the Tateuchi Galleries of the Seattle Asian Art Museum and remains on view until April 5^th, 2015. 1400E. Prospect St. in Volunteer Park. (206) 654-3100 or go to seattleartmuseum.org.

The Friends of Asian Art Association also present a lecture on the current arts of Myanmar (formerly Burma) by Barry Broman who served for years in that region as a member for the Foreign Service of the U.S. Department of State. “Arts and Crafts in an Emerging Myanmar” takes place on Sun., Oct. 12^th at 1pm at the Burke Museum on the “UW Seattle campus. Free parking. To pre-register for these events or for information, email [email protected].

New glass sculptures by Hiroshi Yamano in a show entitled “Scene of Japan” is on view through Sept. 27^th. 110 Union St. in Suite 200 downtown. (206) 587-6501 or go to travergallery.com.

The Greenlake Association for Chinese Poetry, Calligraphy and Painting present “An Introduction to Chinese Painting” on Sept. 27^th from 2 – 4pm, Level 4, Room 1 of Seattle Central Library downtown. 1000 – 4^th Ave. No reservations required. Call (206) 684-0849 for details.

“To Be Alone Together” is an group exhibition co-curated by Emma Jane Levitt and Shelly Leavens through the Dana and Toni Rust Curatorial Fellowship at the Museum of Northwest Art in La Connor. The curators try and capture the solitude and interaction of Northwest art by having contemporary Northwest artists respond to work by Northwest artists in the museum’s collection. Work by Paul Horiuchi and Norie Sato are in the group that are shown. Contemporary artists Paul Komada and singer/songwriter Tomo Nakayama respond to specific artists as well. 121 S. First St. in La Connor. Oct. 4 – Jan. 4^th. (360) 466-4446 or go to www.museumofnwart.org.

“Near/Far” is the title of a show by former Seattle Cornish student Lauren Iida now living in Cambodia. Her show of intricate paper cutaways Guest Curated by David Strand help her process and preserve her experiences with the people of landscape of that country. She is working on literacy campaigns and establishing libraries for children in rural areas. Her work explores notions of figure and place that transcend geographic and cultural borders. On view from Nov. 13^th – Jan. 23^rd in the Entry Gallery. Artist’s reception will be on Thurs., Dec. 11^th from 5 – 8pm. Gage Academy Of Art at 1501 10^th Ave. E. in Seattle. (206) 323-4243 or email [email protected].

Roger Shimomura’s “American Knockoff” has an autobiographical ring pitting the artist against the world of Asian stereotypes and what it means to live as an Asian American in this “land of the free and home of the brave.” It was last seen in the fall of 2013 at Greg Kucera Gallery. Now an expanded version of this show with a new catalog opens with a reception on Sept. 18^th from 6 – 8pm at the Museum of Art at Washington State University Gallery in Pullman. On view through Dec. 13^th. Shimomura will talk about the show on Sept. 18^th at 7pm. The documentary film, “Witness: The Legacy of Heart Mountain” is screened on Oct. 15^th at 7pm in the CUB Auditorium. A performance of “Within the Silence” by Living Voices Theatre takes place on Nov. 13^th at 7:30pm in the Jones Theater on campus. The Hirahara Photo Collection on Japanese Internment, Manuscripts, Archieves & Special Collections on view in the Terrell Library Oct. 6 – 24^th. Installation Exhibit on Student Entertainment Board Oct. 23th – Nov. 14^th. CUB Gallery Reception on Oct. 15^th from 12 – 2pm. Panel Discussion on “Cartoon Propaganda” in the Museum of Art/WSU with dates TBD. (509) 335-1910. In related news, The College of Agricultural, Human, and Natural Resource Sciences has a profile of 1945 alumnus Tom Kitayama whose family was originally from Bainbridge Island. He was the first Japanese American to hold public office in California as Mayor of Union City. Go to http://museum.wsu.edu/shimomura.html for complete details. This touring exhibit comes to Tacoma Art Museum and Hallie Ford Museum in Salem, Oregon in 2015.

In related news, Hallie Ford Museum in Salem, Oregon presents “Roger Shimomura: Works on Paper” which will open Nov. 8^th and remain on view through Feb. 1, 2015. Organized by Director John Olbrantz to complement the travelling exhibit, “Roger Shimomura : An American Knockoff” which opens at the museum next January. The exhibition features 29 prints drawn from local and regional collections, including works from his “Minidoka Snapshots” and “Minidoka Identities” suites, both of which deal with internment camp issues. 900 State St. in Salem, Oregon and part of Willamette University. (503) 370-6855 or go to willamette.edu/arts/hfma.

“Labor: A Working History” is an exhibit following the path of workers’ rights locally and on a national scale beginning in the 1800’s with Hawaiian and Native-American laborers for the Hudson’s Bay Company. Through Dec. 31^st, 2014 at Clark County Historical Museum at 1511 Main St. in Vanouver, WA.For details, call (360) 993-5679 or visit www.cchmuseum.org.

“Uprooted: Japanese American Farm Labor Camps During World War II” is an exhibit about Japanese Americans who were incarcerated during WWII. This exhibit tells the story of the first such labor camp in Nyssa, Oregon in which interned Japanese Americans did seasonal farm labor in the sugar beet industry. Photos by Farm Security Administration photographer Russell Lee document these camps. On view until Dec. 12^th, 2014 at Four Rivers Cultural Center at 676 SW Fifth Ave. in Ontario, Oregon. For details, call (541) 889-8191 or visit www.4rcc.com or www.uprootedexhibit.com.

Kinokuniya Books hosts “Kino Artist Alley @ Seattle”, an artist’s session on Sat., Sept. 20^th from noon to 6pm. Enjoy watching local artists Mint Pie, SHANG, Harululu, Wiform, Studio LG and logoodnezz as they draw inspired by ideas from anime, video games and original comics. 525 S. Weller. Go to www.kinokuniya.com/us/ for details.

Liz Tran’s mixed media paintings explore the shapes of nature and the psychedelic colors of her imagination. SAM gallery presents a show of her latest work at TASTE next to Seattle art Museum downtown a show of her new work. On view until Nov. 9^th. 1300 First Ave. For details, [email protected].

Colorful paintings of strange figures interacting in an open field by Irene Kubota on view now at Bryan Ohno Gallery in Japantown . Through mid-Oct. Opening Oct. 16^th and ending Nov. 29^th will be paintings by Yumiko Glover. A series of paintings centered around highly sexualized figure of the Japanese schoolgirl, set against disjointed images of past and furture world wars and pop culture iconography. Originally from Hiroshima, the artist is now based in Hawai’i. 521 S. Main St. (206) 459-6857 or go to www.bryanohno.com.

One of Seattle’s oldest galleries, the Woodside/Braseth Gallery has moved to Pioneer Square. Their first show there is a group show of Northwest artists with the work of Gerard Tsutakawa included. On view until Oct. 25^th. 1201 Western Ave. (206) 622-7243 or go to woodsidebrasethgallery.com.

Akiko Masker has a show entitled “Oyama+O/hA/NA” which blends traditional Japanese aesthetic values with Western art techniques. She is inspired by how geo metric and organic forms move in nature. On view through Sept. at The Shooting Gallery in Wallflower Custom Framing at 4735 – 42^nd Ave. SW in West Seattle. (206) 938-6332 or email [email protected]. Masker’s work is represented by Bryan Ohno Gallery in Seattle where her work is also currently on display.

“Horizons” is the title of new work by Z. Z. Wei through Sept. 28^h. This Chinese painter moved to Seattle years ago and has captured the rural landscapes of this state in nostalgic fashion. Patricia Rovzar Gallery at 1225 Second Ave. downtown. Open daily. (206) 223-0273 or go to rovzargallery.com.

“A Cut Above” is a group show that explores hand-cut work in paper, wood, prints and sculpture. This show presents unique contemporary works in a variety of mediums and perspectives inspired by traditional art practices. Co-curated by MalPina Chan. Includes the work of Betsy Best Spaden, Mia Yoshihara-Bradshaw, Julia Harrison, Laureen Iida, Naoko Morisawa and June Sekiguchi. The show will be on view in the City of Sammamish City Hall Gallery during the month of Oct. 801 – 228^th Ave. SE. Hours are M – F from 8:30 – 5pm.

New and recent shows due to open at the Wing include the following – “Do You Know Bruce?” is a major new show on the personal, intimate story of martial arts artist and film star Bruce Lee and the significance of Seattle in his life. Opens Oct. 4^th with the full support of the Lee Family. The Wing is the only museum in the world, outside of Hong Kong, to present an exhibition about Bruce Lee’s life. The Lee family has plans to eventually open a permanent museum on Bruce Lee’s life and legacy in the Chinatown-ID neighborhood. This show will make for a good initial introduction. Beat the crowds and become a museum member and not only do you see this show for free but you also receive a special commemorative welcome packet with limited edition Bruce Lee Membership cards and matching window cling for your collection.“RESIST – Asian American Acts of Struggle” remains on view through Jan. 18^th, 2015. Wing Luke also co-sponsors a new exhibition “Voices of Nisei Veterans” at the Nisei Veterans Committee (NVC) Hall. Oral history testimonies and rare collections tell the story of Japanese American veterans before, during and after World War II. A new exhibit entitled “Puppet Power! Asian Traditions Come to Life” opens on Sat. July 19^th. See innovative creations from Asian American puppet artists, video performances and hands-on puppet play. Created in partnership with the Northwest Puppet Center and the Valentinetti Puppet Museum. Opening August 24^th from 6 – 8pm is “ART IN MOTION: The Evolution of Board Culture” From surf board to skate board, learn how Asian Americans have contributed to this thriving culture. Curated by Gabriel Goldman of Platform Inc. Includes the work of Wally Inouye, Nhon Nguyen, Nin Truong, Junichi Tsuneoka and Mike Yoshida. Free Family Fun Day activities coming up. – On Sat., Sept. 20^th at 1pm, artist Liang-Yin Chen will show you how to make your own shadow puppet. Still on view is “#iconic: Power and Pop Culture” which explores how Asian American pop icons are made and what it means to look up to – or challenge – these figures. “Hometown Desi: South Asian Culture in the Pacific Northwest” is a semi-permanent display that opened Oct. 3. It will explore the history of South Asians in this area up to the present. On display through Oct. 19, 2014 is “Grit: Asian Pacific Pioneers Across the Northwest”. Stories of pioneers and trailblazers who persisted through challenges of natural disasters, racial discrimination and violence to carve out a home in this new territory. “Summer Camp @ The Wing” offers the following activities – August 11^th – 15^th is “Moving Art: The Journey” looks at art that moves with us from skateboards to kites and other things. A special exhibit on Bruce Lee and his connection to Seattle is in the planning stages and will open Oct. 4^th. YouthCAN is the museum’s award-winning Arts and Leadership Program for Asian Pacific American youth ages 15 – 19. Sign up by Sept. 15^th for the Fall Semester starting sept. 24^th. Create art, learn history, build community. Email [email protected] or go to wingluke.org/youthcan for complete details. The Wing is at 719 South King St. (206) 623-5124 or visit www.wingluke.org. Closed Mondays. Tuesday – Sunday from 10am – 5pm. First Thursday of each month is free from 10am – 8pm. Third Saturday of each month is free from 10am – 8pm.

Currently on view at Seattle Asian Art Museum in Volunteer Park – “Colored Vases” is the first work by Chinese contemporary artist Ai Weiwei acquired by Seattle Art Museum. The artist took ancient earthenware vases and dipped them in buckets of industrial paint allowing them to drip dry. By covering the surfaces with a new paint, what is underneath – like history itself – is “no longer visible, but is still there.” The irony is that they play on the question on and question authenticity issues that the artist likes to raise in today’s market for Chinese Art. The first exhibition held outside Japan dedicated to Japanese Art Deco entitled “Deco Japan: Shaping Art and Culture, 1920 – 1945” is on view through Oct. 19^th. On Friday, Sept. 26^th at 7pm check out the series “SAM TALKS”. Gennifer Weisenfeld, Professor of Japanese Art History and Visual Studies at Duke University will talk about celebrated designer Saito Kazo and the contemporary circle of Tokyo-based clothing and interior designers who worked around him in the 1920s-30s. This talk will teach you the ins and outs of the fashion world behind the exhibition, “Deco Japan.” You can purchase tickets at visitsam.org. The “Asia Talks” series continues with a program entitled “Kantha: Embroidered Textiles of Bangladesh” on Thurs. , Sept. 18^th at 7pm. Niaz Zaman will introduce the katha textile form, design motifs, traditional meanings, and adaptation from domestic use to the global market. Reserve your free tickets online. On Sat., Sept. 27^th , a new University Fall Series begins entitled “New Worlds of Science: The Heritage of East Asia”. Tickets go on sale in August for a series of 10 talks on Saturday mornings co-organized by Prof. Christopher Cullen, Needham Research Institute who will give the first two lectures. Topics range from ancient astronomy and cosmology to Chinese medicine and the modernization of Korea and Japan. On view until December 7^th is “Ink. History. Media” by Chen Shaoxiong. The artist examines the history of protest as a universal political expression. He downloaded images of protest form around the world and did ink drawings from these images, turning them into a video installation. Another video installation consists of ink drawings of historic photos of major events in Chinese history during the 20^th century. The artist was a founding member of “Big Tail Elephant Group”, a collective of Guangzhou-based conceptual artists in the 1990’s. Today he works independently and also collaborates as a member of an Asian artist collective known as “Xijing Men” and another Chinese collective known as “Project Without Space.” He is a multi-media artist using painting, photography, collage and conceptual art to realize his ideas.” Mughal Painting: Power And Piety” is up through Sept. 7^th. The show features works of art made under the Mughals (1526-1857), the most expansive Islam empire in the history of the subcontinent. For complete information on all events, go to seattleartmuseum.org.

“Nature and Pattern in Japanese Design” is a related exhibition to “Deco Japan” in two parts that will be shown at Seattle Art Museum downtown. Part 2 begins August 16^th, 2014 and continues till April 19^th, 2015. “Modernism in the Pacific Northwest: The Mythic and the Mystical” looks at Northwest painters from the 30’s and 40’s whose work was influenced by an Asian aesthetic. Includes work by Paul Horiuchi and George Tsutakawa. Coming August 30^th is “City Dwellers: Contemporary Art from India” which looks at the shift towards urban centers and the culture and arts of the city. Organized by SAM from the collection of Sanjay Parthasarathy and Malini Balakrishnan.Visit sam.org or call (206) 654-3100.

Want to know more about contemporary Korean art? You have a chance when Eunju Choi, curator from the National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art in Seoul gives a talk on Oct. 16^th at Seattle Asian Art Museum. 1400 E. Prospect St. in Volunteer Park. (206) 654-3100 or go to seattleartmuseum.org.

“Travelogue – Art Inspired By Travels Through Asia” is a group show including work by Kathy Liao. Opening reception is Wed., Sept. 24^th from 4:30 – 6:30pm with artist talks set for 5:30pm. At Lakeshore located at 11448 Rainier Ave. S. Go to eraliving.com for details.

Bellevue Arts Museum presents the traveling exhibit “Folding Paper: The Infinite Possibilities of Origami” through September 21^st. Though this art form originated in Japan, this exhibit reveals how that form has evolved through the participation of modern artists from around the world. Over 140 works from international artists takes this traditional art form and pushes it into the future. A series of related events throughout the run of the exhibition are planned. Festival Folding with PAPER takes place on Saturday from 1 – 3pm on September 13^th. Opening July 3^rd is “The Art of Gaman: Arts and Crafts from the Japanese American Internment Camps, 1942 – 1946”, A Smithsonian traveling exhibit curated by Delphine Hirasuna. Most of the work is by untrained artists stuck behind a barbed wire fence fending off boredom by putting creative hands and minds to use. But work by a few professional artists such as Ruth Asawa, Jimmy Tsutomu Mirikitani, Chiura Obata and Henry Sugimoto is included as well. The show runs from through Oct. 12^th. Of future interest is “BAM Biennial 2014: Knock On Wood”, a group show of artists working with wood set for Oct. 31 – March 29^th, 2015. 510 Bellevue Way NE. Go to www.bellevuearts.org.

“Photographic Presence and Contemporary Indians: Matika Wilbur’s Project 562” is the first installment of Matika Wilbur’s ambitious project to capture contemporary Native American life by documenting people from all 562 federally recognized tribes in the US. The photography of Seattle photographer Chao-Chen Yang is included in a group show entitled “Northwest in the West: Exploring Our Roots”. This show explores the distinct identity of Northwest art and how it has adopted, adapted and reacted against its western roots. A theme particularly apt and timely since the museum is building a new wing to house their new collection of Western art. Both shows through the fall of 2015. Local artist MalPina Chan has work in the current show “Ink This! Contemporary Print arts in the Northwest” on view until Nov. 9^th, 2014. Tacoma Art Museum is at 1701 Pacific Ave. (253) 272-4258 or go to TacomaArtMuseum.org.

Kamla Kakaria’s delicate work using the muted texture of beeswax shares a show with Cynthia Hibbard at Shift Gallery. Opens Oct. 2^nd from 5 – 8pm. Remains on view until Oct. 25^th. 312 S. Washington St. in the Tashiro Kapland Building. Open Fri. & Sat. (206) 679-8915 or go to shiftgalleryseattle.org.

Seattle artist Saya Moriyasu keeps busy with the following activities. In Portland she has work in the PDX Contemporary window with Tony Sonnenberg. Presented by Pulliam Fine Arts. Upcoming you can see her work in SAM Party in the Park and in the fall with Maki Tamura and Paul Komada at MadArt UW. Some of her functional work can be found at Sugar Pill behind Blick at 900 E. Broadway on Capitol Hill. She also has a new email at [email protected].

Puget Sound artist MalPina Chan has work in a group show entitled “Our American Stories: Asian American Artists Illuminate History, Culture and Identity” along with Seattle-raised Roger Shimomura, Susan Almazol, Salma Arastu, Jung Ran Bee, Karen Chew, Reiko Fujii, Kathy Fujii-Oka, Nancy Hom, MariNaomi, Pallavi Sharma and Scott Tsuchitani. On view through September 26^th, 2014. Guest-curated by Judy Shintani. At City College of San Francisco’s Louise & Claude Rosenberg Jr. Library – Ocean Campus, 2^nd floor, 50 Phelan Ave. in San Francisco. (415) 452-5541.

Seattle painter Kathy Liao keeps busy with the following activities. She has work in a group show entitled “Any Day: Artists on Death” at the Steele Gallery at Gage Academy of Art through Sept. 19^th. 1501 – 10^th Ave. E. Go to www.gageacademy.org. She has an artists’s residency at the Jentel Artist Residency Program in Sheridan, WY. From June 15^th – July 15^th in 2015.

Opening August 28^th is “Mythscapes : Contemporary Art from the World’s Oldest Continuing Culture” which includes the work of indigenous artists from Australia including work by Sarrita King. Co-curated by the gallery and Ann Snell Gallery of Sydney. Show remains on view through Nov. 22^nd. ArtXchange Gallery at 512 First Ave. S. Open Tues. – Sat. (206) 839-0377 or go to www.artxchange.org.

Tacoma artist Fumiko Kimura has had a long-time career in Puget Sound exhibiting her work and keeping busy with her Puget Sound Sumi Art Group. This year brings a new opportunity to see her life’s work. Kimura and fellow artists Lois Yoshida and Harry Haneda are part of the Tacoma Studio Tours happening at over 30 studio locations all around Tacoma. Oct. 11^th & 12^th from 11am – 5pm. Check with [email protected] for details. Also a retrospective of her work takes place at Tacoma Community College Art Gallery Nov. 3^rd – Dec. 13^th. She shares the space with artist Rob Fornell. A reception is planned for Nov. 8^th tentatively from 4 – 7pm (check the gallery for exact time.) 6501 S. 19^th St. (253) 566-5000.

Juliet Shen will be in a group show entitled “Duwamish Artist Residency” set for March 5th – 26^th, 2015 at Gallery4Culture. The show sheds light on the activities of twelve studio artists who gather every summer to work together for a week at various spots along the river. For details on their work, go to duwamishresidency2012.wordpress.com. 101 Prefontaine Pl S in the Tashiro Kaplan Building in Pioneer Square. Please note that as of 2015, Gallery4Culture will no longer have shows during the months of December and August. Shows continue during the other ten months.

The Whatcom Museum in Bellingham has an interesting show entitled “Reaching Beyond: New Designer Craftsmen at 60” juried by Ben Mitchell. On view until Jan. 4^th, 2015. 121 Prospect St. (360) 676-6981 or go to whatcommuseum.org.

Discover the history and culture of the Tulalip tribes at the Hibulb Culture Center. Currently showing an exhibit on “Coast Salish Canoes”. 6410 – 23^rd Ave. NE in Tulalip. (360) 716-2600 or email [email protected].

Oregon Nikkei Legacy Center in Portland has “Oregon Nikkei: Reflections of an American Community” a show that celebrates the lives and contributions of Oregon’s Nikkei community, and evokes memories of shared experiences – from early settlement through the trials and tribulations of WWII and into the 21^st century. Also on view is “Art Behind Barbed Wire: A Pacific Northwest Exploration of Japanese American Arts and Crafts Created inn World War II Incarceration Camps” on view through Oct. 19^th, 2014. Upcoming exhibit is “Before Memories Fade: Uncovering the Story of the Kida Family of White Salmon” tentatively scheduled to Open Nov. 8 and remain on view through Feb. 22, 2015. Open Tu. – Sat. 11am – 3pm and Sundays, noon – 3pm. 121 NW 2^nd Ave. (503) 224-1458 or email [email protected].

The Portland Japanese Garden has announced their exhibitions set for 2014. “Urushi: Masterpieces of Lacquer Ware by Kazumi Murose, Living National Treasure of Japan”, on view Oct. 25^th – Nov. 16^th. For details, go to http://japanesegarden.com/pressroom/50th-anniversary-press-kit/.

“Cobalt Blues”, a regional and chronological variety of Asian Cobalt-glazed ceramics is on view through Oct. 19^th taken from the museum collection and on loan from private collections. Portland Art Museum. 1219 SW Park Ave. (503) 226-2811 or go to portlandartmuseum.org

The Museum of Contemporary Craft has the work of “artist-in-residence” Stephanie Syjuco in the group show, “Fashion Cascadia – The Social Life of the Garment”. This show looks at how the fashion industry shapes the regional identity of the Pacific Northwest. Through Oct. 11^th. Upcoming April 17^th – August 16h in 2015 is “The New Frontier: Young Designer-Makers in the Pacific NW”. 724 NW Davis St. in Portland. (503) 223-2654 or go to mocc.pnca.edu.

The Vancouver Art Gallery in Vancouver BC, Canada has a show entitled “The Forbidden City: Inside the Court of China’s Emperors” which captures the atmosphere and aesthetics of the Ming and Qing Dynasties with paintings, ceremonial clothing and more. Includes nearly 200 treasured objects from the collections of Beijing’s Palace Museum. Worth the trip up north. Opens Oct. 18^th and on view until Jan. 11^th. Opening Nov. 15^th and on view until April 6^th is “Unscrolled: Reframing Tradition in Chinese Contemporary Art” which looks at how Chinese artists today view their tradition. Re-working traditional aesthetics in conceptual ways, artists use new forms and media – such as digital animations and site-specific installations-to provide a myriad of means to understand and examine traditions influence on visual culture in present-day China.750 Hornby St. (604) 662-4719 or go to vanartgallery.bc.ca.

“Meet Me at Higo” permanent exhibit- Part Two” presented and sponsored by the Wing is a multi-media presentation and self-guided tour that tells the origins and history of the store as a Japanese American five and dime. At Kobo at Higo, 604 South Jackson. E-mail [email protected] or call (206) 381-3000.

The delicate ceramic art of Nana Kuo is on view through Sept. 29^th at Bainbridge Arts & Crafts at 151 Winslow Way E. on Bainbridge Island. (206) 842-3132 or go to bacart.org for details.

“Meditation” is an exhibit of large-scale woodblock prints by Chinese printmaker Zhang Guanghui who blends academic and traditional methods with modern sensibilities. On view through Sept. 20^th at Gonzaga University’s Jundt Art Museum at 502 E. Boone Ave. in Spokane. For details, call (509) 313-6843 or visit www.gonzaga.edu/jundt.

“Foundation” is an exhibit of new works by Japanese artist Naomi Shigeta through Sept. 27^th at Augen Gallery DeSoto at 716 NW Davis St. in Portland. (503) 546-5056 or go to www.augengallery.com.

The surreal work of multi-media New York-based artist Ryo Toyonaga is given his first major museum retrospective drawing on 20 years of ceramic and mixed sculpture, drawing and painting in “Awakening”. The images come forth from a well-spring of recurrent dreams. On view from Oct. 11 to – Jan. 4, 2015. On view till Dec. 28^th is “Ten Symbols of Longevity and Late Joseon Korean Culture”. “Japanese Impressions from the Vault: The Rare, the Beautiful, and the Bizarre” is on view until Feb. 8^th, 2015. On view till June 7, 2015 is “Elegance & Nobility: Modern & Contemporary Korean Literati Taste”. And finally “Vistas of a World Beyond: Traditional Gardens in Chinese Material Culture” is on view until July 5, 2015.University of Oregon Jordan Schnitzer Museum of Art. 1430 Johnson Lane in Eugene. (541) 346-3027 or visit jsma.uoregon.edu.

“Claiming Space: Voices of Urban Aboriginal Youth” is a group show that shows “contemporary, conceptual and Native art” that features 25 young artists across Canada, the US, Norway and New Zealand, “to define what it really means to be an urban Aboriginal artist today.” On view Through Jan. 4^th, 2015 at Museum of Anthropology in Vancouver, BC. On the UBC campus. 6393 NW Marine Dr. (604) 822-5087 or go to moa.ubc.ca.

“Sacred Trees of India: Photographs by Deidi von Schaewen collects large-scale images taken by the artist over years travelling through India. Oct. 8^th – Dec. 3^rd. Evergreen Gallery at Evergreen State College at 2700 Evergreen Pkwy NW in Olympia. Go to evergreen.edulgallery for details.

The Wing is excited to open a new exhibition on the personal, intimate story of Bruce Lee and the significance of Seattle in his life. The Wing will be the only museum in the world, outside of Hong Kong, to present an exhibition about Bruce Lee. Want to get in on the ground floor of the planning for this show? The museum needs volunteers willing to help make this show a reality. The show opens Oct. 3^rd – 5^th. To volunteer, hit this link – BL_Volunteer_Registration_Form. Volunteer Orientation starts on Tues., Sept. 30^th at 6pm. If you have questions, contact Stacey Swanby at [email protected] of call (206) 623-5124×109. For details on the exhibition itself, go to www.doyouknowbruce.com.

The Korean Artist Project plays an important role in promoting Korean artists overseas. Organized by the Korean Art Museum Association and sponsored by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, it provides an archive of 75 artists from 27 galleries nationwide in both English and Korean. The directory is updated regularly. For details, go to www.koreanartproject.com.

Do Ho Suh is a Korean installation artist who has work locally in Seattle Art Museum’s permanent collection. Lehmann Maupin in New York presents a show of “Drawings” by the artist Sept. 11^th – Oct. 25^th, 2014 in two spaces in New York. The exhibition will highlight the significant role and varied forms drawing plays in Suh’s oeuvre. The artist will be at an opening reception on Thurs., Sept. 11 from 6 -8pm and a book launch on Sat., Sept. 13^th at 540 W. 26thst from 4 – 6pm. Suh’s work will also be presented in a major solo exhibition at The Contemporary Austin opening on Sept. 20^th, 2014. Lehmann Maupin is located at 540 W. 26^th St. and 201 Chrystie St. Visit lehmannmaupin.com for details.

The Aspen Art Museum in Colorado is the first American museum designed by innovative prize-wining Japanese architect Shigeru Ban. It opened in August in the new building in downtown Aspen. With a woven-wood screen surface, it has triple the exhibition space of its’ former home. Ban has won major awards for his work designing low-cost housing and public buildings in developing countries. Future shows here will include the work of Cai Guo-Qiang and Ban, himself. For more, go to aspenartmuseum.org.

New York based visual artist/photographer Nina Kuo whose work first appeared nationally in Lucy Lippard’s groundbreaking book, “Mixed Blessings: New Art in a Multicultural America” over a decade ago seems to be on a creative tear as of late. She has work in no less than three different shows in New York at the moment. At the Andre Zarre Gallery until Oct. 3^rd, the Pierogi- Boiler Room in Williamsburgh with Loren Chow Roser and a group show entitled “35 Years of Archiving” at the Museum of Chinese in Americas which just opened. For more on her art, go to http://en.sinovision.net/occupied-canvas-nina-kuo/.

Local poet/arts educator/curator Shin Yu Pai has been appointed Exhibitions writer for the Museum of Nothwest Art in La Connor.

Japanese conceptual artist On Kawara died in Manhattan in late June at the age of 81. Kawara explored the passing of time in serial works such as “Today”.

Christopher Y. Lew has been appointed associate curator at the Whitney Museum of American Art. Prior to that he worked at MoMA PS1 on Long Island.

New Delhi-based artist Amar Kanwar has won the 2014 Leonore Annenberg Prize for Art and Social Change. The annual award goes to artists engaged with sociopolitical issues.

Here’s a look at some of the exhibitions going on across the country this fall  and beyond that may be of interest to our readers –

“Chinese American Exclusion/Inclusion – What Does It Mean To Be An American?” opens Sept. 26^th through April 19^th at New-York Historical Society Museum & Library. Go to nyhistory.org.

“Nasta’liq: The Genius of Persian Calligraphy” culled from manuscripts from the Freer and Sackler Gallery, Smithsonian Institution on view through March 22^nd. “Perspectives:Chiharu Shiota” is an installation of shoes collected by this Berlin-based installation artist originally from Japan. Arthur M. Sackler Gallery at the Smithsonian in Wash. D.C. 1050 Independence Ave. SW (202)633-1000.

“Wilfredo Lam: Imagining New Worlds” is a traveling retrospective of this Cuban-born Chinese Cuban Surrealist that emphasizes his Spanish influences as well as his ties to the European avant-garde. Now through Dec. 14^th at the McMullen Museum at Boston College then to the High Museum in Atlanta Feb. 14th– May 24th. 140 Commonwealth Ave. in Chestnut Hill, MA. (617) 552-8100 or try www.bc.edu/gn-artmuseum.

“Nam June Paik: Becoming Robot” is a major survey of this Korean American multi-media artist who made technology human. Through Jan. 4^th.   “Buddhist Art of Myanmar” Feb. 10^th – May 1^st, 2015. Asia Society in New York. 725 Park Ave. (212) 288-6400.

“Anonymous: Contemporary Tibetan Art” is drawn from the Shelley and Donald Rubin Collection and is on view Sept. 21 – Jan. 4^th at the Queens Museum in New York. Flushing Meadows Corona Park. [email protected] or (718) 592-9700.

“Kimono: A Modern History” combines the attire with paintings, prints, books and decorative objects that depict the garment itself. Sept. 27 – Jan. 4^th at the Met in New York. 1000 Fifth Ave. (212) 535-7710.

“Experiments With Truth: Gandhi and Images of Nonviolence” opens Oct. 2^nd and remains on view until Feb. 1^st at the Menil Collection, Houston. 1533 Sul Ross St. (713) 525-9400.

“Jeff Chien-Hsing Liao’s New York” shows this Taiwan-born photographer’s panoramic large-scale images of New York, combining multiple exposures over time. Oct. 15^th – Feb. 15^th at Museum of the City of New York. 1220 Fifth Ave. (212) 534-1672.

“Wang Jianwei: Time Temple” is the first of three commissions by the Ho Family Foundation Chinese art Initiative. This installation by a Beijing artist uses film, painting, sculpture and a theatrical production. Oct. 31^st – Feb. 16^th at the Guggenheim. 1071 Fifth Ave. Go to guggenheim.org for details.

“Noguchi As Photographer: The Jantar Mantars Of Northern India”. Noguchi was a restless traveler and he was fascinated with these astronomical observatories. His photos of the sites alongside sculptures and objects. At the Noguchi Museum Jan. 8 – May 31^st. 9-01 33^rd Road on Long Island City, New York. (718) 204-7088.

“Ghosts and Demons in Japanese Prints” is a show meant to compliment the show, “Temptation – The Demons of James Ensor”. On view Oct. 11^th – Jan. 4^th, 2015 at Art Institute of Chicago. 111 S. Michigan Ave. (312) 443-3600.

“For A New World To Come: Experiments In Japanese Art And Photography 1968 – 79” Over 200 works of art chronicle the Japanese artistic responses to a difficult socioeconomic time in Japan. Feb. 1^st – April 26^th at Museum of Fine Arts in Houston. 1001 Bissonet. (713) 639-7300.

“On Kawara: Silence” is the most comprehensive show to date of this major Conceptual artist who recently passed away. Includes live readings from his texts. Feb. 6^th – May 3^rd. Guggenheim. 1071 Fifth Ave. or go to guggenheim.org.

“Ink And Gold: Art Of The Kano” Gold-leaf folding screens and paintings from this sumptuous period of Japanese art established by Kano Masanobu Feb. 16^th –May 10^th. Philadelphia Museum of Art. 2600 Benjamin Franklin Parkway. (215) 763-8100.

“After Midnight: Indian Modernism To Contemporary India 1947/1997” Looks at art made after independence and how it changes over the next fifty years of globalization and change. March 1^st, – June 7^{th ,} 2015. Queens Museum in New York. Flushing Meadows Corona Park. (718) 592-9700 or [email protected].

“Life Of Cats: Selections From The Hiraki Ukiyo-e Collection” points out the position of cats in Japanese culture. March 13^th – June 2015 at Japan Society Gallery in New York. 373 E. 47^th St. (212) 832-1155.

“Tseng Kwong Chi: Performing For The Camera” marks the first major museum solo show for this ate Hong Kong-born performance artist. April 21st – July 11^th, 2015. “Abby Gray and Indian Modernism: Selections from the NYU Art Collection (ongoing). Grey Art Gallery at NYU. 100 Washington Square E. (212) 998-6780.

Francisco Clemente: Inspired by India” through Feb. 2^nd, 2015. “Witness At A Crossroads: Photographer Marc Riboud in Asia” chronicles the French photographer’s work across Asia. Oct. 16^th – March 23^rd, 2015. Rubin Museum of Art in New York. 150 W. 17^th St. (212) 620-5000.

“V.S. Gaitonde: Painting As Process, Painting As Life” is the first retrospective of of this Indian-born abstract painter at the Guggenheim Oct. 24^th – Feb. 11^th, 2015.1071 Fifth Ave. Go to guggenheim.org.

The Museum of Fine Arts Boston has the following shows coming up. “Hokusai” April 5^th, 2015 – Aug. 9^th, 2015. “In The Wake: Japanese Photographers respond to 3-11” from April 5^th to July 12^th, 2015. “8 Brokens: Bapo Paintings” set for Aug. 15^th, 2015 – April 17^th, 2016. A first ever exhibition dedicated to Bapo, a revolutionary genre that emerged in the mid-19^th century. Painting created with Chinese ink and colors on paper and silk, they were startlingly realistic depictions of damaged cultural ephemera done in “trompe-l’oeil” style. “Made in the Americas: The New World Discovers Asia” set for Aug. 18^th – Feb. 2016. First ever Pan-American exhibition to examine the profound influence of Asia on the arts of the colonial Americas. 465 Huntington Ave. (617) 267-9300.

The Asian/Pacific American Institute located at NYU brings together accomplished scholars, community builders, and artists from New York City and beyond in interactive forums, reflection, and new research. Now on view in Gallery 8 at Washington Mews is “Haunted Files: The Eugenics Record Office” curated by Noah Fuller and John Kuo Wei Tchen with Associated curator, Mark Tseng Putterman. Also current “Artist-In-Residence” is comedian Hari Kondabolu (a Seattle crowd favorite) who is scheduled to make a number of appearances throughout the year. 8 Washington Mews in New York. (212) 998-3700 or try [email protected].

The Contemporary Austin – Jones Center and Laguna Gloria in Austin, Texas gives renowned Korean-born sculptor and installation artist Do ho Suh his first major solo exhibition in the US in more than a decade from Sept. 20^th – Jan. 11^th, 2015. Both existing works and newly fabricated pieces will be on view at both sites. The work draws on the artist’s personal experiences growing up in Seoul, studying art in the US and moving homes several times over in the course of his life. The Jones Center is at 700 Congress Ave. in Austin with a phone # of (512) 453-5312. Laguna Gloria is at 3809 W. 35^th St. with a phone # of (512) 458-8191.

“Kip Fulbeck: Part Asian, 100% Hapa” is a show of photographs by this Southern California-based photographer/filmmaker on view until Jan. 4^th, 2015 at Nikkei National Museum in Burnaby, BC, Canada. 6688 Southoaks Crescent. Burnaby, BC, Canada. [email protected].

The Asian Art Museum – Chong Moon Lee Center for Asian Art & Culture in San Francisco presents the following shows. “From Two Rises Three – The Collaborative Works of Arnold Chang and Michael Cherney” through March 1^st, 2015. “Enter the Mandala – Cosmic Centers and Mental Maps of Himalayan Buddhism” through Oct. 26^th, 2014. “Dual Natures in Ceramics: Eight Contemporary Korean Artists” through Feb. 22, 2015 (on view in Terminal 3, San Francisco Int. Airport only). “Tradition on Fire: Contemporary Japanese Ceramics from the Bissinger Collection on view through from April 5^th, 2015 – Feb. 22^nd, 2016. “Roads of Arabia: Archaeology and History of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia” from Oct. 24^th – Jan. 18^th, 2015. “Tetsuya Ishida: Saving the World with a Brush Stroke” Nov. 14^th – Feb. 22^nd, 2015. “Seduction: Japan’s Floating World – the Weber Collection” Feb. 20^th – May 10^th, 2015. “The Printer’s Eye: Ukiyo-e from the Grabhorn Collection Feb. 20^th – May 10^th, 2015. “Woven Luxuries: Indian, Persian and Turkish Textiles from the Indicator Collection” March 13^th – Nov. 1^st, 2015. “28 Chinese- Chinese Contemporary Art – Where It Has Been And Where It’s Headed” June 5^th – Aug. 16^th, 2015. 200 Larkin St. (415) 581-3500.

“Royal Hawaiian Featherwork: Na Hulu Ali’I” August 29^th, 2015 – Feb. 28^th, 2016. De Young Museum in San Francisco’s Golden Gate Park. (415) 750-3600. 50 Hagiwara Tea Garden Dr. (415) 750-3600.

“Samurai: Japanese Armor from The Barbler Mueller Collection. Oct. 19^th – Feb. 1^st, 2015. LA County Art Museum. 5905 Wilshire Blvd. (323) 857-6000.

“HELLO! – Exploring the Supercute World of Hello Kitty” is a joint presentation of Sanrio and the Japanese American National Museum. Examines the global phenomenon of Hello Kitty and features innovative works by forty contemporary artists. Co-curated by Christine R. Yano, author of “Pink Globalization: Hello Kitty’s Trek Across The Pacific.” Opens Oct. 11^th and runs through April 26^th, 2015. 100 North Central Ave. in Los Angeles. (213) 625-0414 or go to janm.org.

Performing Arts

Highlights

AARP sponsors “A Life Reimagined Free Lecture Series with guest speakers. On Thurs., Sept. 18 at 5:30pm, actor George Takei will introduce the popular documentary film on his life entitled “To Be Takei” (currently at Siff Uptown in Seattle) Space is limited and registration is required to reserve a seat. Visit www.aarp.org/seattle or call 1-877-926-8300.

Sept. 17^th at 7:30pm brings “Environmental Perspectives: Cultural Diversity in the Environment” which is a moderated panel that will talk about the importance of increasing cultural diversity in fields like environmental education and conservation. For this event, enter on Seneca St. Town Hall Seattle is at 1119 8^th Ave. (206) 652-4255 for tickets.

The Japan Arts Connection Lab (www.jaclab.org) and Cornish College of the Arts (www.cornish.edu/presents) give Seattle audiences a chance to hear masters of Japanese traditional music when they presents a series of musical events. First off, Japanese koto master Sawa Fujii presents a concert of “Contemporary Koto Music” on Fri., Sept. 19 at 7pm. Bainbridge Island Museum of Art Auditorium. Although admission is free, you must RSVP if you wish to attend by going to http://jaclab-koto.brownpapertickets.com. Hirokazu Fujii will lead a Jiuta Master Workshop on Sept. 20^th at 1pm. This workshop is especially recommended for koto, shamisen & shakuhachi players. $35 admission and reservations are suggested. This all culminates in a final concert involving all these Japanese musicians entitled “Jiuta: Voice of Longing”, a shamisen, koto & Kokyu concert by Hirokazu Fujii & Ginmeikai Members. With Rosyu Kawase and Sawa Fujii. Sunday, Sept. 21 at 7pm. Cornish College of the Arts Poncho Auditorium. Tickets from $15 – $25. For tickets, go to http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/782749.

The Seattle Fringe Festival is a 5 day festival of live art from the raw and untested to completed productions in a variety of genres and styles. Each show runs an hour or less and tickets are affordable at $10 each. All performances are located within walking distance of each other. Sept. 17^th – 21^st. Venues are on Capitol Hill at Annex Theater, Eclectic Theater, the NW Film Forum and Calamus Auditorium at Gay City Arts. Produced by Theatre Puget Sound with Seattle Contemporary. For details, go to http://seattlefringefestival.org/.

Singer/songwriter Brenda Xu gained a following in the San Diego area before moving to Seattle. While there, she was nominated for “Best Acoustic Artist” in the San Diego Music Awards. Her voice and work has been liked to singer Aimee Mann. This concert takes place on Sept. 18^th at 8pm at the Fremont Abbey is a new cd release party/concert for “For The Winter”, a new release. Singers Julia Massey and Shenandoah Davis will open. 4272 Fremont Ave. N. All ages. Doors open at 7pm. (206) 414-8325.

“Musical Voices from Myanmar” (formerly Burma) is a night of performances and conversation about the music of this little known country. Pianist Kit Young, UW grad student Ne Myo Aung and Prof. Gavin Douglas who studies state sponsored music in the political processes of Burma al contribute to the fascinating dialogue and music of this little known country. Free. Fri., Oct. 3^rd in Brechemin Auditorium located in the Music Building on the Seattle campus of UW. 7:30pm.

As part of the PWEKA/FANHS/Carlos Bulosan Centennial Festivities, there will be a joint event entitled “Celebrating Brown Brilliance: Painter/Muralist Val Laigo and Jazz Artist/Symphony Composer Victor Noriega”. Laigo was the late Seattle University Art Professor and noted artist and muralist and his work will be celebrated this evening. Jazz pianist Victor Noriega was commissioned by the Oakland Symphony to write a piece which was performed last year. Now Seattle audiences have a chance to hear it too. “Generations, Directions” is Noriega’s look at the generations of his family that immigrated to this country. Performed with Orchestra Seattle/Seattle Chamber Singers. Free. Oct. 17^th. At the Filipino Community Center at 5740 MLK Jr. Way S. (206) 722-9372. Noriega’s composition will also have an earlier performance in a concert entitled “Moments of Inspiration” put on by Orchestra Seattle and Seattle Chamber Singers on Sat., Oct. 4^th at First Free Methodist Church at 7:30pm. $25 a ticket.

Comedian Margaret Cho comes to the Tacoma Comedy Club for two shows nightly (6:30 & 9:30pm) on Nov. 4^th & 5^th. 445 Tacoma Ave. S. in Tacoma. For details, go to margaretcho.com.

Cheech & Chong hit the Emerald Queen Casino on Nov. 8^th for an 8pm show. 2024 E. 29^th St. in Tacoma. Go to ticketmaster.com for tickets.

Didik Nini Thowok, a master dancer from Java will give a demonstration and disciussion about Javanese Dance on Nov. 10^th at 7:30pm. Free. Brechemin Auditorium in the Music Building on the Seattle campus of UW. 7:30pm. Thowok is one of the few artists to continue the Indonesian tradition of “Traditional Cross Gender” in the dance form. School of Music associate professor Christina Sunardi perform cross-gencer dances and discuss Didik’s work as an artist.

Seattle Symphony goes on the road and hits a high school, a theatre and a museum across Seattle. Hear the orchestra perform free community concerts with music by Mozart, Brahms, and Schubert. Featuring Christina Ding on violin. Oct. 17^th at 8pm at Chief Sealth High School in West Seattle. Oct. 18^th at 2pm at Rainier Valley Cultural Center. Oct. 19^th at 2pm at the Museum of Flight.

Kirkland Performing Center for the Arts presents a concert entitled “The Sarod Project” in which a family of Indian classical musicians play a repertory around that classical Indian instrument. Sept. 20^th at 8pm. The Seattle International Comedy Competition takes place on Nov. 28^th at 8pm. Kirkland Performing Center for the Arts at 350 Kirkland Ave. N. in Kirkland, WA. (425) 828-0422 or email [email protected].

Adrian Fung plays cello and helped found Afiara String Quartet in Canada. He visits Seattle and performs on Thurs., Oct. 2^nd solo and with members of the UW strings facultuy. Held in Brechemin Auditorium in the Music Building on the UW Seattle campus. 7:30pm. $15 admission.

Broadway Center for the Performing Arts in Tacoma bring the Peking Acrobats to the Pantages Theatre on Sat., Jan. 17^th at 7:30pm. Also booked is a production of Gilbert & Sullivan’s “The Mikado” set for Feb. 6 at 7:30pm and Feb. 8^th at 2pm at the Rialto Theatre. On May 16^th, Northwest Sinfonietta presents “The Taiwanese Connection”, a classical concert highlighting Taiwanese contemporary composer Gordon Chin’s premiere of his composition dedicated to Taiwan. Also Taiwanese violinist Mae Lin plays Mendelssohn’s Violin concerto.7:30pm at the Rialto. 901 Broadway in Tacoma. (2530 591-5840.

The Filipino American Community of South Puget Sound present “Ballet Philippines: Masterpieces on Oct. 17^th at 7pm. 512 Washington St. SE at The Washington Center for the Performing Arts in Olympia. (360)753-8586 or email [email protected].

The Wayward Music Series presents Chamber works for strings, woodwinds, and percussion by composer and percussionist Paul Kikuchi with Taina Karr on oboe, Ivan Arteaga on clarinet, Greg Sinibaldi on bass clarinet, Natalie Mae Hall on cello, John Teske on bass and Paul Kikuchi on percussion. Also on the bill is a solo set from sound artist and musical polymath Rob Mills and pianist Tiffany Lin performing selections from Bach’s French Suite No. 6 intermingled with selections from Hungarian composer Gyorgy Kurtag’s “Jatekok’s” (Games). Oct. 25^th at 8pm. Chapel Performance Space. 4649 Sunnyside Ave. N. $5-$15 sliding scale. (206) 355-2917 for details or go to www.paulkikuchi.com.

Seattle Symphony plays host to a full season of events. Here are some highlights. Violinist Jennifer Koh is guest violinist when Seattle Symphony under the baton of Ludovic Morlot perform Tchaikovsky’s Fourth Symphony on Nov. 6^th & 8^th. Dynamic young pianist Yuja Wang gives a piano recital on Dec. 3 at 7:30pm. “Celebrate Asia!” is the annual East meets West signature Seattle Symphony event set for March 1^st.. Carolyn Kuan conducts the orchestra in a program of music by A. R. Rahman, Yugo Kanno in a Seattle Symphony Commission U.S. Premiere and music by Tan Dun. Musical guests include Chiaki Endo on koto, Dozan Fujiwara on shakuhachi and Meeka Quan DiLorenzo on cello. Yuja Wang returns as piano solist with the London Symphony Orchestra under the direction of Michael Tilson Thomas in a program of Britten, Gershwin and Shostakovich on April 1^st. April 21^st brings the Seoul Philharmonic Orchestra to town under the baton of Myung-Whun Chung with Sunwook Kim on piano. Yo Yo Ma, cello virtuoso plays one afternoon only with the symphony on May 3^rd at 2pm. On May 26^th, violinist Pinchas Zukerman performs with pianist Angela Cheng. Visit Seattlesymphonyorg or call (206)215-4747.

Book-It Repertory’s adaptation of David Guterson’s “Snow Falling on Cedars” plays the Bainbridge Performing Arts Center March 13^th – 28^th, 2015. (206) 842-8569.

The Ahn Trio, a family of classical siblings perform at the Edmonds Center for Performing Arts on Jan. 9^th, 2015. 410 Fourth Ave. n. in Edmonds. (425) 275-9595.

Bunka Gakuen University from Tokyo presents their annual “Fashion Show” showcasing the work of their fashion design students. On Sun., Sept. 21^st from 1 – 3-m. Free. Seattle Central Community College’s Broadway Performance Hall at Broadway & Pine on Capitol Hill. (425) 483-5974 or go to [email protected].

“The Beauty of Noh – Tomoe and Yoshinaka” offers Seattle audiences a rare chance to see classical Japanese theatre and also how that theatre collaborates with contemporary elements. In a double-bill. First off, “Tomoe” is a love story based on the “Tale of Heike” about a famous 12^th century woman samurai warrior not allowed to die on the battlefield with her master. This will be performed by Munenori Takeda, one of Japan’s best-known Noh masters and the Takeda Noh troupe. Seattle composer Garrett Fisher’s “Yoshinaka” is a cross-cultural collaboration between the Fisher Ensemble with Noh master Munenori Takeda as directed by Tikka Sears. It invites audiences to re-imagine the contemporary world through the double lenses of myth and history. Stan Shikuma of Seattle Kokon Taiko is in this production. Performances on Sept. 26^th at 7pm, Sept. 27^th at 2pm & 7pm and Sept. 28^th at 2pm. ACT Theatre in Seattle at 700 Union St. downtown. $35 tickets. For tickets go to http://www.nohandopera.com.

The 4^th Annual Benefit for the Tibet Fund featuring former North American representative for His Holiness the Dalai Lama, Lobsang Nyandak and award-winning photographer Phil Borges as guest speakers takes place at 5pm on Sun., Sept. 27^th at St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church at 4805 N.E. 45^th in Seattle. Traditional and contemporary dance featuring Tibetan artists and internationally known musicians such as Tashi Tsering, Gary Stroutsos and Pamela Mortensen as well as emerging artists such as Lobsang Tsatultsang, Tenzin Dawa and Dhundup Dorjee. There will also be a dinner featuring Tibetan cuisine and silent & live auctions. To learn more about the Tibet Fund, go to Tibetfund.org. For tickets, visit Om_Zappy or call (206)-713-7325.

The Gardner Center presents their Saturday University Fall Lecture Series entitled “New Worlds of Science: The Heritage of East Asia” beginning Sept. 27^th through Dec. 6th. All programs run from 9:30am – 11am. It’s a series of ten talks on the history of science in the region co-organized with Professor Christopher Cullen, Needham Research Institute of Cambridge, England who will give the first two lectures. Topics will range from ancient astronomy and cosmology, to Chinese medicine to modernizing Korea and Japan on historic scientific advancements. To purchase tickets online go to visitsam.org/gardnercenter.

The title of this year’s “Asia Talks” Series is “Celebrating Chinese Art at SAM”. SAM Director Emerita Mimi Gardner Gates along with Josh Yiu (Chinese University of Hong Kong and former SAM Chinese Art Curator) open this special program on Song dynasty painting (960-1279). Howard Rogers of Kaikodo Asian Art Gallery in New York will talked about “The Way of Muqi’s Paintings” (Famed Chinese Chan (Zen) painter) and Rof ermritus Richard Barnhart of Yale University will talk about “The Perils of Collecting Song Painting in the Early 20^th Century”. Takes place on Sun., Sept. 21^st from 4 – 5:30pm. Tickets are $10 general and $5 for SAM members. Tickets available in person or by calling (206) 654-3210.

Washington Hall has played a long-storied tradition in the lives, culture and fabric of Seattle’s many multi-cultural communities throughout the years. FANHS celebrates that with their event entitled “Growing Up Brown: Memories of Washington Hall” which celebrates the local Filipino American community’s participation in this theatre Oct. 3^rd from 6:30 – 9pm. Robert Flor’s play-in-progress entitled “My Uncle’s Letters” has a scene in this hall from the 1930’s. This scene will be performed as part of the celebration. 14^th Ave. & E. Fir Street.

The Northwest Tea Festival takes place Oct. 4^th (10am – 6pm) & 5^th (10am – 4pm) at Fisher Pavillion at Seattle Center. Numerous workshops and presentations on the art of tea will be available. For details, try logging on to http://www.nwteafestival.com/.

This fall brings the 26^th Annual Earshot Jazz Festival. Oct. 10^th – Nov. 11^th at various sites around Puget Sound. Some welcome returning musical visitors include bassist/composer Linda Oh who will be performing with the Joe Lovano Dave Douglas Sound Prints Quintet. Also Korean American saxophonist/singer/composer Grace Kelly is guest artist with the Seattle Women’s Jazz Orchestra. To find out the full line-up of this annual aural feast of great music, go to www.earshot.org.

Celebrate the thunderous energy of taiko or Japanese drums when “Bellevue World Taiko Festival 2014” explodes on the stage of Bellevue Performing Arts Center at Bellevue High School on Oct. 18^th. At 6:30pm. 10416 Wolverine Way. With special guest and Kagura specialist Yu Imatuku, CHIKIRI, Seattle Kokon Taiko and special collaboration with Bellevue High School Orchestras, kids family concerts plus additional workshops. The Kids & Family Concert on Oct. 19^th at 1pm at Bellevue Highland Community Center at 14224 Bel-Red Rd. in Bellevue. For details on it all, go to www.japantaiko.com.

The Hansberry Project presents “Represent!” – A Multicultural Playwrights Festival” in various theatre spaces (in the Bullitt Cabaret Oct. 1^st and 5^th and in the Eulalie Scandiuzzi Space Oct. 2^nd – 4^th) around ACT Theatre downtown in partnership with eSe Teatro, SIS, Pratidhwani, and ACT’s Central Heating Lab. A great opportunity to hear and see new work by playwrights of color. There will be an opening reception, readings of three full-length plays, and a local writers showcase. Oct. 1^st at 7:30pm is a “Meet The Playwrights” night. Oct. 2^nd at 7:30pm eSe Teatro presents “Upon the Fragile Shore” by Caridad Svitch. Oct. 3^rd at 7:30pm Pratidhwani will present a production. On Oct. 4^th at 7:30pm, the Hansberry Project presents “Zenith by Kirsten Greenridge. Oct. 5^th at 2pm a “Local Writers Showcase” will take place presenting an excerpt of Robert Flor’s new play “My Uncle’s Letters” as directed by Eloisa Cardona. 700 Union St. (206) 292-7676.

If you love the mournful, piercing sound of the Japanese shakuhachi flute, you should not miss the Seattle Shakuhachi Matsuri planned for Oct. 25^th at the Japanese Cultural and Community Center of Washington. $10 suggested donation. 1414 S. Weller St. (503)235-5468.

“Fast Company” is the latest production by Porkfilled Players. It’s a Chinese American crime caper by Carla Ching and directed by Amy Poisson. Nov. 6^th – 23^rd. Theatre Off Jackson at 409 Seventh Ave. S. (206) 340-1049 or go to theareoffjackson.org.

Celebrate the revitalization of Japan Town with “Nihonmachi Nites”, an event set for Sept. 20^th from 4 – 8pm. Extended shop hours, kids activities, live performances and traditional Japanese food will be available. At the corner of 6^th Ave. S. & S. Main near the Chinatown/ID neighborhood. Also come celebrate a newly created garden in Japantown, named in memory of Chiyo Murakami. It’s tucked behind the Jackson Building, home to MOMO, KOBO at Higo and Kaname. Along Nihonmachi Alley Connecting Jackson and Main between 6^th and Maynard (enter just east of Kaname). You can enjoy the garden between 4pm and 8pm. A formal program with speakers starts at 7pm. The artwork and garden design is by Rumi Koshino and Yuko Kunugi. There will be food and drink specials provided by Kaname Izakaya and Schochu Bar. Go to www.nihonmachinites.com for complete details.

Don’t miss “Harvest Fest & Farm-To-Table Dinner”, a benefit for CDA’s Danny Woo Community Garden. Free activities. 12 – 3pm. Sat., Sept. 20^th in the Garden, rain or shine. 620 S. Main St. There will be children’s activities, apple & Asian pear harvesting, cider pressing and a program entitled “Garden History & Stories” at 1:30pm. The “Farm-To-Table Dinner is from 5 – 7pm at $75 a person. Organic ingredients provided from the garden and local farms with a limit of 35 people. All proceeds benefit the Danny Woo community Garden. (206) 624-1802×10 or email [email protected] for questions.

SIS presents “REVEALED: Celebrating Women – A Theatrical Tour of the International District”. Take a one-of-a-kind theatrical walking tour (with snacks, of course) of Seattle’s International District revealing the stories of women, both contemporary and historical, who have helped to shape this unique cultural neighborhood starring many of the local actresses you know and love from “Sex in Seattle” fame. Oct. 2^nd at 6pm, Oct. 4^th at 10am and Oct. 5^th at 11am. Free but advance reservations are required to guarantee a spot. Please email [email protected] to get your ticket. For details, go to http://celebr8women.wordpress.com/events-2/revealed/.

Jennifer Paz takes the lead role in Lin-Manuel Miranda’s “In The Heights – A Hip Hop Musical With a Salsa Beat” with performances scheduled for two venues presented by Village Theatre. Sept. 18^th – Oct. 26^th at Issaquah’s Francis J. Gaudette Theatre at 303 Front St. N. in Issaquah. (425) 392-2202 and Oct. 31^st – Nov. 23^rd at Everett Performing Arts Center at 2710 Wetmore Ave. (425) 257-8600.

Richard Nguyen Sloniker stars in the Strawberry Theatre Workshop production of “Black Comedy” by Peter Shaffer (“Equs”, Amadeus”). Through Sept. 20^th. Erickson Theatre off Broadway. 1524 Harvard Ave. 1-800-838-3006 or go to black.brownpapertickets.com.

“Songs of Unsung Seattle” is a series of 2 programs presented around Seattle by the Steve Griggs Ensemble. “Panama Hotel Jazz” is a program with original narration and music written around Japanese American endurance of injustice during World War II internment. They perform at the following venues. Sept. 28^th at 2pm at Columbia City Branch Library. Oct. 5^th at 2pm at Ballard Branch Library. For details, call (206) 386-4636 or go to www.spl.org/jazz.

ReAct Theatre, Seattle’s multi-ethnic and philanthropic theatre continues their 2014 Mainstage Season. Neil Labute’s “The Break of Noon” (see related article elsewhere in this issue) plays through Sept. 28^th at Youngstown Cultural Arts Center on Deldridge. Tickets available through Brown Paper Tickets or call (206) 364-3283 or go to http://www.reacttheatre.org for details. They also plan to mount a production of Pulitzer finalist Stephen Karam’s “Sons of the Prophet” in Nov. For details, go to http://www.reacttheatre.org/ and you can get reservations online through Brown Paper Tickets. (206)364-3283.

“Luminata: Lantern Festival” celebrates the autumnal equinox on Sept. 21^st with a lantern parade around Green Lake Park in Seattle. Brought to you by the Fremont Arts Council. Go to fremontartscouncil.org for details.

Bad Luck is a local improvising music duo with Chris Icasiano on drums and Neil Welch on saxophone. They’ve been turning heads and opening ears with their fresh new sound. They have a record-release party for their third release entitled “Three” on Oct. 1, at 8pm. Noted local singer/songwriter Tomo Nakayama of Grand Hallway will open. A $15 donation will get you into the concert with a free copy of the record to boot. At the Chapel Performance Space at the Good Shepherd Center at 4649 Sunnyside Ave. N. on the 4^th floor in Wallingford.

Modular synth duo Kaoeri Suzuki and Chris Davis will play after an opening night screening of the documentary film enttled “I Dream of Wires” by Robert Fantinatto on Sept. 19^th at the Grand Illusion Cinema in the University District. Go to http://www.grandillusioncinema.org/ for details.

The Degenerate Art Ensemble led by Joshua Kohl and Haruko Nishimura premiered their work-in-progress entitled “Predator Songstress” in a collaboration with the Kronos String Quartet to a packed house at the Neptune. Now they are back in residency at Cornish fine-tuning the project from Oct. 6^th – 18^th which culminates in a free performance on Oct. 18^th at the Cornish/Intiman Playhouse at Seattle Center. Collaborators this time around include Path with Art, Olson Kundig Architects and Cornish College of the Arts. The artists include BenZamora from Lillienthan/Zamora, Leo Mayberry, architect and installation artist Alan Maskin & blair Payson of Olson kundig Architects, actor/performance artist Paul Budraitis, and Terry Podgorski of Café Nordo. For details, go to Cornish College of the Arts.

Soprano Haeran Hong sings in the Seattle Opera production of Richard Strauss’ “Aradauf Naxos” set for May 2 – 6^th, 2015. Go to http://seattleopera.org for details.

Opening on Oct. 30^th – Nov. 16^th is a new Tacoma theatre company, Dukesbay Productions presentation of Velina Hasu Houston’s play “Tea” about post WWII Japanese war brides in the Midwest. Following the tragic death of one, the women gather for tea and memories and as the stories unfold, we learn what life in small-town America gave them, and what it took away. Go to http://dukesbay.org/shows/ for details on the play and ticket information. Stars Kathy Hsieh of SIS, Elisa Cardona, Aya Hashiguchi, Susan Mayeno and Joy Misako St. Germain. Directed by Randy Clark.

The pioneer all women Japanese rock group Shonen Knife returns to Seattle for a show on Oct. 12^th to Ballard’s Tractor Tavern. 5213 Ballard Ave. N.W. (206) 789-3599.

The 7^th Annual Diwali Ball is a celebration of the Hindu Festival of Lights At SAM. Includes dinner, dance performances, Bollywood dance lessons, henna and fortune telling. $95 a ticket. Th., Oct. 16^th at 7pm. At Seattle Art Museum at 1300 First Ave. (206) 625-8900 or go to seattleartmuseum.org.

MONQUI presents singer/songwriter Rachael Yamagata in a show on Oct. 20^th at The Crocodile in Belltown. 2200 2^nd Ave. (206) 441-4618.

The Undergraduate Theatre Society at UW will present a new production of David Henry Hwang’s play, “Yellow Face” as directed by Eliza Wu from Jan. 22^nd – Feb. 1^st, 2015.

The Seoul Philharmonic Orchestra with Myung-Whun Chung conducting and Sunwook Kim on piano take on Beethoven Piano Concerto No. 5 and Brahms Symphony No. 4 on April 21^{st, 2015} at 7:30pm. Noted American cellist Yo-Yo Ma performs with Seattle Symphony on May 3^rd at 2pm. At Benaroya Hall downtown at 3^rd & Union. (206) 215-4747 or go to seattlesymphony.org.

ACT Theatre has announced their 2014 season. Appearing through Sept. 28^th is “The Invisible Hand” by Ayad Akhtar. The story revolves around an American financial guru who is captured and held by a militant organization in Pakistan who must raise his own 10 million dollar ransom. To be directed by Allen Nause. For details on this play and the upcoming season, go to acttheatre.org/subscriptions or call (206) 292-7676. Food, live performances, activities for kids and much more.

Veronica Lee-Baik, Artistic Director of The Three Yells Dance Company premieres her new work “Moon Falling” Nov. 7^th & 8^th at Velocity Dance Center. This is her first work since reviving the company in 2014 after taking an extended hiatus to recharge personally and creatively. “Moon Falling” investigates the damage of society’s pursuit for perfection and convenience. Originally from Singapore, Lee-Baik studied dance and art at the Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts and trained at the Royal Acdemy of Dance, the Martha Graham School and Cornish College of the Arts. To reserve your seat, you must RSVP at (206) 799-3887 or email [email protected].

Violinist Michael Lim joins Cornish Faculty member and pianist Cristina Valdes in a concert of contemporary pieces with David Requiro on cello. Sun., Nov. 23^rd at Kerry/Poncho Hall. 7pm.

Town Hall Seattle kicks off their “Global Rhythms” series with a bang, opening with Arga Bileg, a group from Mongolia who mixes traditional Mongolian folk songs and instrumentation to contemporary, Western jazz techniques. A bold approach to sustaining traditional ideas in a changing world. Friday, Sept. 19^th at 8pm. Kekuhi and Kaumakaiwa Kanaka’ole sweeten the romance on Valentine’s day with a performance of Hawaiian music and dance. Sat., Feb. 14, 2015 at 8pm. The Hamsaz Ensemble play a concert entitled “Iran Through the Centuries” on Thurs., March 26, 2015 at 7pm. Rounding off the “Global Rhythms” Series is Saigon’s Golden Dragon Water Puppet Tehatre featuring Rup Tung Cack on Fri., May 15^th at 8pm. This is a 1,000 year-old folk art form. 1119 Eighth Ave. (206) 652-4255 or email [email protected] or go to townhall.org for details.

Jazz trumpeter/composer and UW Music faculty member Cuong Vu leads his trio with Ted Poor on drums and Cameron Sharif on keyboard in a concert of original music that crosses the lines between noise pop, grunge and ambient minimalism. Sat., Oct. 11^th at 7:30pm in the Meany Studio Theatre on the Seattle UW campus. (206) 543-4880 or go to uwworldseries.org.

EnActe Arts presents “A Modern Vyasa and his Mahabharata”. Jean-Claude Carriere, famed French playwright, actor, director and film partner of Luis Bunuel – performs his recent version of India epic Mahabharata as a storyteller. His earlier work on this classic were made into films directed by Peter Brook. Sun. Oct. 19^th at 4pm. Seattle Asian Art Museum auditorium. For tickets, visit enacte.org. Hosted by Sam’s Gardner Center for Asian Art and Ideas. (206) 442-8480 or email [email protected].

A Hmong New Year Celebration takes place at Seattle Center on Nov. 8^th. Part of the Festal Series. Music, performing arts, food, cultural activities and workshops/demonstrations for adults and children. Go to seattlecenter.com/festal for details.

“UW President’s Piano Series” presents classical pianist Jon Kimura Parker in a recital of Beethoven, Schumann, Schubert & others on Fri., Nov. 14^th at 7:30pm in Meany Hall on the Seattle campus of UW. (206) 543-4880 or go to uwworldseries.org.

Popular slack key guitarist/singer Makana makes a welcome return to Seattle as part of the “Live @ Benaroya Hall” series this fall on Nov. 20^th. (206) 215-4747 for ticket information.

Local composer/performance artist Byron Au Yong was an “artist-in-residence” at the International Festival of Arts & Ideas in New Haven recently with fellow collaborator Aaron Jefferis where they are developing ideas for “Trigger”, a music/theater project based on the Virginia Tech tragedy. “The Orphan of Zhao” of which au Yong did the music ended its’ run at San Francisco’s ACT and opens July 8^th – August 2^nd at La Jolla Playhouse.

“From Portland With Love” is an “Autumn Charity Concert” which will benefit Tsunami victims in Japan. An evening of Japanese appetizers, refreshments, poetry, classical music and Japanese culture. With Junko Otsu on violin, Tomoko Okada on piano and actress Yoshi Ichige , star of the Fuji TV drama “From Oregon With Love” reading poetry.   Oct. 9^th starting at 5pm. World Forestry Center in Washington Park. Go to https://goo.gl/maps/VDw1K or http://www.fromportlandwithlove/tickets.html for details.

UW Music Faculty member Melia Watras and violist explores improvised and notated music with an all-star group of local musicians including jazz trumpeter Cuong Vu and Pacific Northwest Ballet concertmaster/ violinist Michael Jinsoo Lim. Sun., Jan. 11^th at 7:30pm. $20 tickets with $12 student rate. Meany Theater on the Seattle campus of UW. (206) 543-4880.

The Nile Project was inspired by Yo-Yo Ma’s Silkroad Project. Egyptian musicologist Mina Girgis and Ethiopian American singer Meklit Hadero follow the source of the river and combine the musical riches of musicians from 11 countries lined by the Nile Basin. Expect to hear a concert of music from the polyrhymic styles of Lake Victoria and the Ethiopian highlands onto the shores of Egypt and Sudan. Fri., Jan. 30^th at 8pm. Meany Theatre on the Seattle UW campus. Go to uwworldseries.com or call (206) 543-4880.

UW Music collaborates with the student-led Improvised Music Project for a series of concerts for IMPFEST VII with a house band of UW instructors and visiting faculty and jazz studies students. Hard to go wrong with a band consisting of Steve Swallow, Chris Cheek, Bill Frisell, Cuong Vu and Ted Poor. May 1^st – 3^rd, 2015. All performances at the Ethnic Cultural Center on 3931 Brooklyn Ave. NE in Seattle. $20 general and $12 students. (206) 543-4880.

It’s always refreshing to hear young talent. Trio Andromeda consisting of violinist Allion Salvador, cellist Hye Jung Yang and pianist Li-Cheng Hung won the 2014 UW Strings and Piano Chamber Ensemble Competition. They give two concerts in 2015 on Jan. 31^st at 4:30pm and Sat., May 30^th at 7:30pm. Tickets are $5. Brechemin Auditorium in the Music Building on the Seattle UW campus. (206) 543-4880.

Srivani Jade, Indian vocalist is the UW Winter Quarter Ethnomusicology Visiting Artist. She gives a recital with her students on “Hindustani Khyal Music from India” on tues. , March 10^th at 7:30pm in Brechemin Auditorium in the Music Building on the Seattle UW campus. (206) 543-4880. $5 tickets. (206) 543-4880.

UW School of Music alumna Wendy Yamashita, now a faculty member at the University of Hawai’i, Manoa returns to UW Seattle to give a “Master Class and Recital” on April 28^th and 29^th, 2015. Expect a program of Mozart and Chopin for the 28^th recital at 7:30pm with $15 tickets. The April 29rd Master class is free and starts at 4:30pm. Brechemin Auditorium in the Music Building on the Seattle UW campus. (206) 543-4880.

El Teatro Campesino is a theatre group directed by Luis Valdez that came out of the Farm Worker’s movement led by Caesar Chavez and is now considered a California theatrical treasure. Last year Valdez wrote a play entitled “Valley of the Heart”, a love story rooted in the Santa Clara Valley and the Heart Mountain, Wyoming concentration camp for Japanese Americans during WWII. It follows two families, one Japanese American and one Mexican American and how their relationships intertwine during this period of war. This production played to sold-out houses last summer and returns by popular demand. Performances are on Thursdays through Sundays now until Oct. 12, 2014. For complete information, go to www.elteatrocampesino.com or call 1-800-838-3006 for tickets. El Teatro Campesino is at 705 Fourth St in San Juan Bautista, CA.

Eastern Washington-raised, New York-based writer/director Young Jean Lee who has brought her previous performance pieces to OTB in Seattle has a new piece opening in Nov. at The Public Theater entitled “Straight White Men”.

YenFen Wang, originally from Shanghai plays the Chinese classical harp known as the guzheng. She will be opening “The Seattle Guzheng Studio” in September at 14950 S.E. Allen Rd., Suite #A in Bellevue. For details, go to http://www.seattleguzheng.com.

In Oct., 2014, Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts will present a performance piece entitled “A Body in a Station” conceived and performed by movement artist Eiko (of the husband/wife dance duo known as Eiko & Koma). This will be her first solo performance. The performances will take place at Amtrack 30^th Street Station in Philadelphia on Oct. 3^rd, 10^th, 17^th and 24^th. In parallel with the performance, The pennslyvania Academy of Fine arts presets “A Body in Fukushima”, an exhibition of still photographs by William Jonhston of Eiko alone in an abandoned rail station in post-tsunami Fukushima, Japan station. By presenting these two pieces, Eiko seeks to establish her body as a constant, a link between two different locations and a conduit between Philadelphia and the radiation-devastated Fukushima. The performance/exhibition by Eiko travels on to the University of Colorado Galleries of Contemporary Art in Colorado Springs in Dec. and then to Wesleyan University Center for the Fine Arts in Feb. of 2015. Eiko expects to tour with this performance through 2015. Go to eikoandkoma.org for more details.

Film & Media

Highlights

Don’t miss the premiere screening of “Passages: The Chinese Heritage Tour of the American West” on Sat., Sept. 20^th at 5pm. The film documents an historical journey taken by participants in 2010 to visit the uncovered heritage sites of early Chinese American pioneers. See how they lived, worked, socialized, built communities, and settled the American West. Filmmaker John D. Pai will be present to introduce the film and answer questions. At the Wing’s theatre. 719 South King St. (206) 623-5124.

You can access the series, “Seattle Voices”, hosted by writer/moderator/community organizer Eric Liu from a Sept. 2^nd program where he interviewed UW Professor and novelist Shawn Wong about his various writing projects at Seattle Channel 21, HD321 Comcast, 721 Wave.

Aono Jikken’s next project will be a live silent film score with benshi narration for rediscovered director Hiroshi Shimizu’s acclaimed modernist drama entitled “Japanese Girls at the Harbor” (1933), presented at both the Northwest Film Forum and the Seattle Asian Art Museum respectively. The story chronicles the complex relationship between a young Japanese woman with a circle of Eurasian friends in the cosmopolitan port city of Yokohama. Considered a re-discovered masterpiece of the Japanese silent film era and not to be missed. First screening is on Sat., Oct. 4^th at 8pm at Northwest Film Forum and tickets are available at nwfilmforum.org. Second screening is on Sun., Oct. 5^th from 3 – 4:30pm in the Seattle Asian Art Museum auditorium. (206) 654-3210 for tickets. Also not to miss at the NW Film Forum is the Nov. 14^th – 20^th screening of “Norte, The End of History” by Filipino auteur Lav Diaz which won best film at the 2014 Locarno Film Festival. The film is a look at the tramautic and transformative effects of global capitalism in the Philippines through the eyes of a jailed shopkeeper.

“Kundo” is a new film by Korean filmmaker Yoon Jong-bin about the last days of the Joseon Dynasty and a pack of bandits who rise against tyrants, stealing from the rich to give to the poor. Also just out is “Pirates”, a look at Korean pirates in a race to find a buried treasure swallowed by a whale. Screens in the Seattle area at AMC Loews Alderwood Mall 16 in Lynnwood and Starplex Cinemas Gateway 8 in Federal Way.

The Japanese Cultural & Community Center presents a Japanese film series entitled “Matinee Eiga” every Sunday at 2pm. $5 for non-members and $3 for JCCCW members. 1414 S. Weller St. (206) 568-7114 or go to www.jcccw.org. Call (425) 369-1012 for details.

SIFF’s annual celebration of “Women in Cinema” returns Sept. 18^th – 21^st , showcasing exceptional films made by women from around the world. Some highlights include Hannah Espia’s “Transit” looks at the struggle of an extended Filipino family working in Israel but faced with the prospect of separation. Was that country’s Oscar submission. Screens on Fri., Sept. 19^th. Sat., Sept. 20^th brings two documentaries. Tina Mascara & Guido Santi’s “Monk With a Camera” looks at the grandson of fashion icon Diana Vreeland who when headed for a life as a high-powered photographer takes a detour and becomes a Tibetan monk. Prize-winning documentary filmmaker Jessica Yu brings “Misconception”, a look at population growth and how women are tackling this subject that is at once personal and global. Sun., Sept. 21^st brings a panel discussion entitled “Going Above and Beyond To make Groundbreaking Film” presented by Women in Film Seattle and “Shorts: Femme Future” which looks at the favorites of the 2014 National Film Festival for Talented Youth. Iram Haq’s “I Am Yours” looks at a twenty-something single mother trying to make a life for herself in Norway’s expatriate Pakistani community. [email protected] filmmaker Stephanie Wang Breal’s “Tough Love” is a documentary film about second chances given to two parents to navigate the child welfare system in order to regain custody of their children. Sept. 22 at 7:30pm. Director and protagonists in the film will be in attendance. “Patema Inverted” is a new anime vision from Yasuhiro Yoshiura opening Sept. 26^th, a sci-fi romance between two teens who live in the same world but on opposite gravitational pulls. Alain Resnais’ classic 1959 drama “Hiroshima Mon Amour” about a French actress and Japanese man who embark on a brief relationship after WWII in Hiroshima with the stains of war on both their souls returns in a new 4K restoration set for Oct. 31 – Nov. 9^th at both the SIFF Film Center and SIFF Cinema Uptown. SIFF Cinema Uptown.Go to siff.net for complete details.

Hirokazu Koreeda’s “Hana: A tale of a Reluctant Samurai” screens on Sat., Sept. 20^th at 7pm. Rainer Valley Cultural Center at 3515 S. Alaska St. $5. Go to httop://www.rainervalleyculturalcenter.org/cinema/.

You may have heard that SIFF was on a campaign to match funds from a local donor to renovate the Egyptian Theater to get it ready for a grand re-opening. Now christened SIFF Cinema Egyptian, it will open its doors again at 801 E. Pine St. Oct. 3^rd – 5^th with a selection of the biggest hits in the theatre’s history to be shown once again. Admission to this special opening week is just 5 screenings for $5 or FREE with a receipt from any Capitol Hill business dated Oct. 1st – 5^th, 2014. “The Midnight Movie” also makes a welcome return in Oct. They will now offer a Student Membership of $35 which gets you discounted tickets at SIFF Cinema and the Festival, a popcorn punch card good for fice free bags and a 3 month trial subscription to Seattle Met. This membership must be purchased in person with a valid student ID. Some highlights from the first week include a co-presentation of Bruce Lee in “Enter The Dragon” with the Wing Luke Museum on Oct. 3^rd at 9:30pm. The Hayao Miyazaki classic animated featured “My Neighbor Totoro” plays on Oct. 4^th at 12:30pm and then again on Oct. 5^th at 12:30pm. The first feature to play at the Egyptian was Akira Kurosawa’s “Kagemusha” which screens Oct. 5^th at 3pm. Go to siff.net for more details.

Northwest Film Forum’s “Local Sightings” festival of Northwest new films will be bigger and better than ever this fall when it hit’s the screen Sept. 25^th to Oct. 4^th. Expect a longer festival with 10 days of local fiction, documentary, experimental and short films as well as the annual Seattle Film Summit and gala opening night party. An early night opening film is “Bella Vista” by Vera Brunner-Sung which nabbed an award at the Rotterdam Film Festival set for Sept. 26^th at 8pm. “Exhibition” by Miho Yamamoto & Damon Vignale set for Sept. 30^th at 8pm is a documentary film that looks at mid-90’s Vancouver when a score of young marginalized women went missing only later to be attributed to a serial killer. Also don’t miss Aono Jikken Ensemble performing an original score live to the re-discovered Japanese silent film masterpiece, “Japanese Girls at the Harbor” by master director Hiroshi Shimizu. Sun. Oct. 5^th at 3pm. 1515 – 12^th Ave. for details, go to nwfilmforum.org.

Upcoming films that will screen at a Landmark theatre include the following – “Last Days in Vietnam” is a documentary film by Rory Kennedy that looks at the waning days of the Vietnam war and how some American officials and military took it upon themselves to help many Vietnamese escape before the North took over the South. Opens Oct. 3^rd at the Varsity. Opening Oct. 17^th also at the Varsity is Hong Khaou’s “Lilting” which tells the story of a Cambodian Chinese mother left alone in London when her immigrant son unexpectedly dies until a British stranger intervenes. A favorite of the recent SIFF.

“The Admiral: Roaring Currents” is a South Korean film currently breaking box office records in its’ own country. It chronicles the epic battle during the 1597 Japanese invasion of Korea in which a small flotilla of just 12 battleships defeats an armada of 330 Japanese battleships charging fearlessly toward the Korean capital. Starring Choi min-sik (“Old Boy”, “Lucy”). Opening in selected American cities now.

Isao Takahata’s (“Grave of the Fireflies”) first film in 14 years is Studio Ghibli’s new feature length animated film. Entitled “The Tale of Princess Kaguya” based on the classic Japanese folk story “The Tale of the Bamboo Cutter”, the film opened in Japan recently. It will eventually open in the U.S. once it’s been dubbed and sub-titled and picks up a U.S. distributor. A trailer shows the customary care given to hand-drawn images and sumptuous coloring.

Local film festivals are a great way to see new films from around the country and around the world before they even hit the theatres. The 15^th Annual Port Townsend Film Festival takes place Sept. 19 – 21^st at 211 Taylor St. in Port Townsend,WA. The wide-ranging line-up features a number of Asian/Asian Am. related feature films, shorts and documentaries in their program. “Meet The Patels” documents the adventurous year young Ravi Patel spent on a whirlwind of dates set up by his parents on a dating service to get him married. “Tash & The Monk” looks at a monk who studied with the Dali Lama and then opened a shelter for orphaned and neglected children deep in the Himalayas. “The Only Real Games” catches some New York crazy baseball fans and how they teach an Indian village the principles of Americans favorite past time. “The Battle of The Jazz Guitarist” looks at the struggles of an immigrant from Fiji who gives up his music to make a better home for his family in America. (360) 379-1333. The Manhattan Short Film Festival screens the best short films from around the world at Kirkland Performing Center for the Arts on Sept. 27 at 7pm & 9:30pm and Sept. 28^th at 2 & 4pm. 350 Kirkland Ave. in Kirkland. (425) 828-0422 or go to [email protected]. Seattle Lesbian and Gay Film Festival runs at the Egyptian Theatre on Capitol Hill in Seattle Oct. 9^th – 19^th. Selections usually include a few films from Asia.For program details, go to www.threedollarbillcinema.org. Tacoma Film Festival celebrates independent film with over 100 selections from the Northwest and all over the world. Oct. 9 – 16^th presented by the Grand Cinema. For a complete schedule, go to tacomafilmfestival.com.

UW Taiwanese Graduate Students present a new film from Taiwan entitled “KANO” about how a baseball team from a vocational school in Taiwan went from a losing record to the finals at Koshien, Japan’s national high school baseball championship. Masatoshi Nagase stars as the coach who brings the team together made up of Taiwanese, Japanese and Taiwanese aborigines and fashions them into a championship team. Screen on Oct. 24^th at UW Kane Hall on the Seattle campus. 6:30 discussion with the co-producer and a 7:30pm screening of the film.

Nov. 13^th will be a Carlos Bulosan Weekend Kick-off film showing of Marissa Aroy’s “Delano Manongs” with a reception. The film documents the struggles of Filipino American farmworkers to unionize. Free and place tba. For details, email [email protected].

Other films to look out for in the following season include –

“Fires on the Plain” by Shinya Tsukamoto based on the book about Japanese soldiers in combat during the end of WWII.

“Faith Connections” by Pan Nalin is a documentary of the people met at the Hindu pilgrimage Kumbh Mela.

“Awake: The Life Of Yogananda” is a documentary by Paola di Florio and Lisa Leeman that looks at the life of the man who brought Yoga to the West.

“Happy New Year” is a heist film wrapped in a Bollywood musical as directed by Farah Khan.

“Revenge Of The Green Dragons” by Hong Kong director Wai Keung-lau finds two Chinese immigrant brothers in New York with no choice but to join a Chinatown gang.

Hong Sang-soo’s new film about a failed cross-cultural romance entitled “Hill of Freedom” staring Ryo Kase.

Hong Kong director Anna Hui’s “The Golden Era” which looks at the story of radical woman author Xiao Hong.

“The Look of Silence” by Joel Oppenheimer’s companion film to the Indonesian genocide chronicle, “The Act of Killing”.

Taiwanese director Tsai Ming-liang’s “Stray Dogs”, a grim look at the very poor living on the streets of Taipei.

Kiyoshi Kurosawa’s “Seventh Code” tells the story of a Japanese girl traveling to Russia to meet the man she never forgot.

Director Hiromasa Yonebayashi returns after “Arrietty” to direct an animated feature based on a British book entitled “When Marnie Was There” for Studio Ghibli.

“Coming Home” is a reunion of sorts for Director Yimou Zhang and his former girlfriend/lead actress Li Gong.

“All You Need Is Love” is a documentary about Burmese children in immigrant camps situated along the Thailand-Myanmar border at a school. Directed by Stuart Cameron and narrated by Sigourney Weaver.

“The Interview” is the story of two tabloid celebrity TV hosts who inadvertently land an interview with the North Korean leader. The CIA intervenes, asking them to assassinate the supreme leader while they’re there. Stars Seth Rogen, James Franco and Randall Park. Directed by Rogen and Evan Goldberg.

The Written Arts

Highlights

Kazu Kibuishi and Raina Telgemeier discuss and sign books from their series “Amulet #6: Escape From Lucien” and “Smile” on Sept. 25^th at 7pm at the University Book Store. 4326 University Way NE in Seattle. (206) 634-3400.

Helen Caldicott has written in detail about the dangers of nuclear radiation and her new book “Crisis Without End” looks at where the world is at now in the aftermath of the nuclear meltdown at Fukushima. Sept. 28^th at Town Hall Seattle.1119 Eighth Ave. (206) 652-4255. Townhallseattle.org.

Ru Freeman is a Sri Lankan born writer. Her novel “On Sal Mal Lane” was a New York Times Editor’s Choice and looked at how the country crumbled under the conflict of civil war neighbor by neighbor. She will return to Seattle to participate in the Hugo House Literary Series entitled “Rough Day” with Dean Young and Elissa Washuta. Besides giving a reading of new work addressing the theme ‘Rough Day” on Oct. 17^th at 7:30pm, Ms. Freeman will also conduct a workshop Oct. 18^th from 1 – 4pm entitled “Let’s Not Mention The Bomb In the Room”. Other writing workshops by local writers include one on the theme of “Obcession” taught by award-winning poet and Western Washington University Professor Oliver de la Paz set for Sept. 27^th and one entitled “Ending a Poem” taught by Seattle poet Jane Wong set for Nov. 15^th. 1634 – 11^th Ave. on Capitol Hill. For details, call (206) 322-7030 or visit hugohouse.org.

Oct. 10^th at 7pm the Seattle Public Central Library hosts the Washington State Book Awards. Kobi Yamada’s “What Do You Do With an Idea?” is a picture book finalist.

 

Local writer Eric Liu reads from his latest book that looks at Chinese American history in relation to China, “Chinaman’s Chance” on Oct. 22^nd at the Seattle Public Central Library. 7pm.

The “Lit Crawl Seattle” happens at various spots around town at 6pm, 7pm & 8pm after a party at Hugo House and includes writers and poets Oliver de la Paz, Kim Fu, Sam Kim and Eimer McBride. Go to http://litcrawl.org/seattle/schedule for details.

Azar Nafisi reads from “Republic of Imagination: America in Three Books” (Viking) on Oct. 27^th at Seattle Public Central Library at 7pm. Free.

“Dying With Dignity” is the topic doctor/author Atul Gawande addresses in a talk he gives on Mon., Oct. 20 at 7:30pm. Town Hall Seattle. 1119 Eighth Ave. (206) 652-4255 or go to townhallseattle.org.

Yumi Sakagawa is in town in conjunction with the Short Run Festival (http://www.shortrun.org/) and her book, “Your Illustrated Guide to Becoming One With The Universe”. Nov. 16^th at 3:30pm at Elliott Bay Book Company.

Ruth Ozeki’s latest novel “A Tale for the Time Being” managed to turn a huge news item into a very personal story of relationships between people as a woman off the coast of Vancouver BC finds the journal of a Japanese young girl washed up on the beach after the Japanese tsunami. Seattle Arts & Lectures brings Ozeki to town to talk about this book and perhaps her new introduction to the new UW Press edition of John Okada’s “No No Boy”. Thurs., Nov. 20^th at Town Hall Seattle. 1119 Eighth Ave.

Rajesh Rao discusses his book “Brain Computer Interfacing” on Nov. 19^th at 7pm at UW Kane Hall.

Seattle poet Lawrence Matsuda (“A Cold Wind From Idaho”) has collaborated with artist Roger Shimomura to produce a new book entitled “Glimpses of a Forever Foreigner – Poetry & Artwork Inspired by Japanese American Experience”. Shimomura was interned as a youngster with his family at Minidoka War Relocation Center during WW II and Lawrence Matsuda would be born there. For both, the forced incarceration experience would have a profound influence on their work. This book grew out of a common interest in that incarceration and their desire to express their concern about the injustice. Shimomura read the unpublished manuscript of poems and selected the poems he wanted to illustrate. The powerful poems find fortuitous company with the artist’s razor sharp artwork. Available locally at Elliott Bay Book Company and Kobo at Higo and through Amazon.

Seattle poet and Examiner contributor Shin Yu Pai was nominated for a Stranger Genius Award in the “Literature” category. On Oct. 18^th, the Stranger will host a party for all 15 finalists at the Moore Theatre in which the winners will be announced. Go to thestranger.com/genius for details.

Early warning – Seattle Arts & Lectures brings award-winning novelist Ruth Ozeki to town in a reading billed as “An Evening With Ruth Ozeki” set for Nov. 20^th at 7:30pm in the Great Hall at Town Hall Seattle. 1119 – 8^th Ave. (Enter on 8^th Ave.) She will most likely be reading from “A Tale for the Time Being”, her most recent novel that tells the trans-pacific story of a woman on the Northwest coast who finds the diary of a teenage Japanese girl washed ashore after the tsunami. Nominated for the Man Booker Prize. (206) 652-4255 for Townhall Seattle. To reach Seattle Arts & Lectures, call (206) 621-2230 or go to [email protected].

Seattle poet Kevin Minh Allen’s first book of poetry has just been published. It is entitled “My Proud Sacrifice” and can be ordered at myproudsacrifice.tumbir.com/. Watch for upcoming local readings.

Over the years, Australian journalist/writer Helen Caldicott has sounded the warning re: the effects of nuclear fallout internationally. Now her latest book “Crisis Without End” (New Press) looks at the ramifications of the nuclear leak at Fukushima and the effect it will have in the world. Caldicott is scheduled to speak on that on Sept. 28^th at Town Hall Seattle in a reading co-sponsored by Elliott Bay Book Company. Doors will open at 6:30pm. You can reach Seattle Arts & Lectures at sal.org. Town Hall is at 1111 Eighth Ave. (206) 652-4255 or townhallseattle.org.

Discover Nikkei is an international community-based project of the Japanese American National Museum that shares the stories of Nikkei around the world. This year, they are collecting stories that explore the untold tales behind personal Nikkei names. Join this writing workshop to share your own story. Taught by local writer (and Examiner contributor) Tamiko Nimura and Patricia Wakida from the Japanese American National Museum in Los Angeles. Sat., Sept. 20^th at 2pm. Pre-registration is required by emailing [email protected]. Free. For more information, go to wingluke.org.

Seattle paper cut artist/activist Lauren Iida and her Antipodes Collective is currently in Cambodia distributing donated books for their children’s library in Prasot village in Cambodia. Donations fund things like pre-class meals for students, library construction and materials. For details on this project, go to www.theantipodescollective.org.

Seattle Antiquarian Book Fair is on Oct. 11^th & 12^th (Sat. 10 – 6pm and Sun. from 11 – 4pm) with $5 admission fee good for both days. Seattle Center Exhibition Hall. For details, go to seattlebookfair.com.

Art News/Opportunities

“Duwamish Revealed” is a series of outdoor art installations, performances, community activities and other adventures to help develop art as a way to connect people to the Duwamish River. Activities are planned for the spring and summer of 2015. You do not have to be a professional artist to be part of this project. If you have a vision for a project on the river, let us know. Read details of our call for applications at http://www.duwamishrevealed.com/call-to-artists/.

Densho: The Japanese American Legacy Project’s annual fundraising event, “Sushi & Sake Fest 2014” takes place on Wed., Oct. 1^st from 6 – 8:30pm. Museum of History & Industry at South Lake Union. 860 Terry Ave. N. $100 for the first 250 early-bird tickets. For details, go to www.sushisakefest.org.

The Seattle Japanese School P.T.A.’s semi-annual used book sale “Furuhon Ichi” takes place on Sat., Oct. 4^th from 11am – 2pm. Cash only. Japanese second hand books, CD’s, DVD’s and educational toys/games will be featured. 13646 NE 24^th St. in Bellevue at Westminster Chapel. Donations of these items can be accepted at the Seattle Japanese School Office at 919 – 124^th Ave. NE #207. For more information, go to http://www.seajschoolpta.org.

Fleur Pellerin has been appointed as France’s new Minister of Culture and Communication, replacing Aurelie Filippetti who exited the job earlier denouncing the government’s further budget cuts to the country’s culture budget. Pellerin was born in Korea and was adopted by a French family when she was just a few months old. She is France’s first minister of Asian descent. She was previously a junior minister for small and medium-size businesses, innovation and the digital economy.

At the end of the year, the state-owned Chinese mining company of China Metallurgical Group will take control of the ancient Buddhist city of Mes Aynak in Afghanistan. This ancient, abandoned city is home to sculptures, art and jewelry dating back to the time of Alexander the Great. Unfortunately is has also has one of the world’s largest deposits of copper ore. Before the company can turn the site into a copper mine, a team of understaffed and underfunded archaeologists are scrambling to excavate the area but time is short. Nasir Ahmad Durrani, deputy minister of mining was quoted by Al Jazeera saying “From one side, my people need food. We are poor people. My national budget needs to generate revenue. But on the other side, I have to protect the international heritage.”Activists, meanwhile, are trying to stop the mine and secure UNESCO protection for the area.

“The Brooklyn Rail – Critical Perspectives On Arts, Politics, and Culture” is a stimulating, well-written and comprehensive look at the arts both nationally and internationally published by poet/writer/artist Phuong Nguyen. For details, go to www.BROOKLYNRAIL.org.

On The Boards, presenter of Contemporary Performance in Seattle has reached out to the community and created “The Ambassador Project” which will tap sixteen of Seattle’s brightest cultural, creative, and civic leaders to help strengthen community ties as they lend their voices and perspectives to the art presented at OTB. Poet Shun Yu Pai recently nominated for a Stranger Genius Award and Ro Yoon, a Korean-born second generation American sensory-addicted politically queer trans-formed activist are part of the team. For details, go to ontheboards.org.

“The Art of Asian Cuisine – A Taste of Asia” is a great opportunity for Seattle foodies to enjoy ethnic Asian cuisine in the intimate surroundings of each chef’s home kitchen. Here is the itinerary. India is on Saturday, September 20^th. Go to www.facebook.com/FriendsofAsianArtAssociation for details.

Northwest Film Forum has exhibition opportunities for Northwest filmmakers. “Children’s Film Festival Seattle” is the largest film festival on the West Coast devoted to families. The deadline for submissions for this is October 1^st, 2014. Details can be found at www.nwfilmforum.org.

Friends Of Asian Art are sponsoring a tour of the arts and cultures of South India Jan. 24^th – Feb. 8^th, 2015. There is an early registration discount if registered by Sept. 15^th, 2014. Detailed information at [email protected] or call (206) 522-5438.

Seattle’s SOIL is currently accepting proposals for shows that will take place between April 2015 – March 2016. Deadline is Sept. 27^th, 2014. SOIL is an alternative venue for artists and curators to exhibit, develop, and advance their work. For details, go to http://soilart.org/opportunities/show-proposals/. (206) 264-8061.

Seattle Transmedia & Independent Film Festival issues a call for submissions. Early submission is now open for entries in all 16 categories, including the relatively conventional (short, feature, documentary, animation), the wonderfully wacky (fan fiction, experimental), and the entirely new (emerging technology, new media, video game). For information or to submit a film, weisode, app. or multi-platform interactive narrative to STIFF 2015, visit http://trueindependent.org/stiff/submit/. The festival takes place May 1 – 9 in the University District of Seattle.

Applications for 2015 Jack Straw Residency Programs are now available. They offer established and emerging artists in diverse disciplines an opportunity to explore the creative use of sound in a professional atmosphere through residencies in our recording studios and participation in our various presentation programs. Artists may apply to only one program per year. The Writers Program takes twelve writers working in all forms and styles selected by a guest curator. Participants will create new work during the residency to be presented through live readings, recorded interviews, a published anthology, and via podcasts on our website. Participants also receive professional training in voice and microphone technique, performance and delivery, and interviews. The Artist Support Program gives up to eight artists/teams 20 hours of recording and production time with an engineer with an additional 10 – 12 artists receiving matching awards. The Jack Straw New Media Gallery is a place where artists from various disciplines can present works in which sound is an integral or exclusive element. Deadline is Oct. 31, 2014. For applications, go to www.jackstraw.org/programs/asp/2015/2015_apps.shtml. For information, go to www.jackstraw.org/programs/asp/2015/2015_Programs_FAOs.shtml.

Seattle International Film Festival is seeking features, documentaries, short films, and animation for the 41^st annual Festival. Earlybird Submission deadline is Oct. 6^th, 2014. Regular Submission Deadline is Nov. 3^rd, 2014. Final Submission Deadline is Jan. 5, 2015. FutureWave Shorts (youth ages 18 and under) Submission Deadline is March 2^nd, 2015. For details go to http://www.siff.net/festival-2014/film-submission-2015.

Sound Off! Is the Northwest’s Premier 21 & Under Battle of the Bands. EMP is seeking musicians, bands and solo artists of all genres to apply. Win recording time, gear, radio airplay, festival performances. Accepting applications until Nov. 3rd, 2014. Go to empmuseum.org/soundoff for details.

The September/October Issue 90 of Art AsiaPacific magazine looks at the practice of Delhi-based artist Akram Zaatari which encompasses filmmaking, research, photography and curating, the career of the late Rummana Hussain who trained as a painter but shifted to performance as a response to the religious fundamentalism of the 1990’s, a profile of Seoul-based Minouk Lim who sought alternative forms of art-making, often participatory in nature, to engage with the historical and economic realities of South Korea and much much more. Besides being available on the newsstands, you can purchase a digital editon on iTunes, Zinio and Magzter.

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